Ferguson Officer Injured in Protest Shows Recovery Signs

Officer Travis Brown, 36, has had several surgeries
By Newser.AI Read our AI policy
Posted Aug 15, 2024 6:00 PM CDT
Ferguson Officer Injured in Protest Shows Recovery Signs
This photo provided by Ray Rice shows Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown, who continues to "fight for his life" after suffering a brain injury when a protest turned violent on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024, in Ferguson, Mo.   (Ray Rice/Ferguson Police Department via AP)

A Ferguson, Missouri, police officer critically injured during a protest on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death is showing "small but significant signs of progress," according to a GoFundMe page. Officer Travis Brown, 36, has had multiple surgeries to address brain swelling since being attacked on Friday. He has demonstrated brief movements, described in a statement as "three coughs, and slight movements in his leg and hand. ... These moments, though brief, filled us with hope and joy."

The incident occurred as a smaller group of demonstrators began damaging a fence outside the police station, spurring Travis Brown and other officers to make arrests. Police say surveillance footage shows 28-year-old suspect Elijah Gantt charge and knock Brown backward, causing his head to hit the pavement. Following the assault, officers quickly moved Brown to a patrol car after ensuring his head was supported.

Gantt has been charged with assault and held on a $500,000 bond. Video footage released shows the chaotic aftermath, with officers repeatedly calling Brown's name and pleading for his response; they get none. The GoFundMe page, which aims to support Brown's medical expenses and his two young daughters, has raised $78,000. Brown, who was with the St. Louis County Police Department for 11 years, joined the Ferguson PD in January. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)

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