A delegate to the Democratic National Convention has withdrawn following his arrest at a protest in Ferguson, Missouri.
According to the Associated Press, Keith Rose was charged with felony property damage after an incident during a demonstration marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's death. The protest turned violent, resulting in injuries to a police officer.
The Missouri Democratic Party announced Rose's decision to step down as an uncommitted alternate delegate on Wednesday. The incident occurred on Friday when protesters allegedly damaged a fence outside the Ferguson Police Department. Officer Travis Brown suffered a critical brain injury during the ensuing chaos.
Police released body camera footage on Tuesday showing the moment Officer Brown was injured. The video depicts a suspect, identified as 28-year-old Elijah Gantt, charging at Brown and knocking him to the ground. The impact caused Brown's head to strike the pavement forcefully.
The footage captures the immediate aftermath of the incident, with fellow officers rushing to Brown's aid and calling for emergency medical services. Amid the commotion, bystanders can be heard expressing concern for the officer's condition. Gantt, who is from East St. Louis, Illinois, now faces multiple charges, including assault. Rose and three other protesters were charged with property damage in connection with the fence incident.
In addition to his role as a DNC delegate, Rose serves on the Civilian Oversight Board for the St. Louis Police Department. His arrest has sparked calls for his removal from this position, with some aldermen pushing for action.
Rose maintains his innocence and has expressed confidence that the charges against him will be dropped. He told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch:
I am highly confident that the charge against me will be dropped once the prosecution reviews all of the evidence, but if not, I am prepared to defend myself against this accusation.
Three members of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen have signed a letter urging Rose's removal from the Civilian Oversight Board, citing concerns about his ability to remain neutral in matters relating to police oversight.
The recent events have reignited discussions about police-community relations in Ferguson, a topic that has been at the forefront since Michael Brown's death in 2014. The city has implemented numerous changes in its police department over the past decade, including efforts to diversify its force and improve training.
Currently, 22 of the 41 officers in the Ferguson Police Department are Black, a significant increase from 2014, when only three out of approximately 50 officers were Black. The department has also introduced new training programs focusing on crisis intervention and bias prevention.
Officer Travis Brown, 36, remains in critical condition with a life-threatening brain injury. Brown, who is not related to Michael Brown, is a father of two young daughters and had previously served with the St. Louis County Police Department for 11 years before joining the Ferguson force in January.
The attack on Officer Brown has sparked outrage among Ferguson residents, with many expressing sympathy for the injured officer and frustration with the ongoing protests. The incident has reignited discussions about the challenges of maintaining public safety while addressing community concerns.
The withdrawal of Keith Rose as a DNC delegate and the critical injury of Officer Travis Brown has brought renewed attention to Ferguson. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between police and protesters in the community despite efforts to implement reforms. As Officer Brown fights for his life, the city grapples with questions about progress, police-community relations, and the path forward.
