Videos depict protester charging Ferguson officer who sustained critical injuries

In Ferguson, Missouri, police released body camera and security videos showing a man charging at an officer during protests marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s fatal shooting. The suspect, Elijah Gantt, knocked Officer Travis Brown to the ground, causing a severe head injury. Gantt was charged with assault, as well as fourth-degree assault for kicking another officer. The incident sparked outrage and calls for condemnation from police chief Troy Doyle, who emphasized the need for respect and support for law enforcement. Ferguson has been a focal point for civil unrest since Brown’s death in 2014, and Doyle highlighted efforts to improve police-community relations, including providing body cameras and training in implicit bias. Doyle praised Officer Brown as a dedicated officer seeking positive change in the community, and condemned the violent attack against him. The community has seen multiple arrests following the incident, with charges ranging from resisting arrest to property damage. The video footage, shown at a media briefing, captured the violent incident, underscoring the risks faced by law enforcement officers on duty. The incident serves as a reminder of the tensions surrounding policing and protests in Ferguson, as well as the ongoing challenges of maintaining public safety and upholding the rule of law in the community.

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