FERGUSON, Mo. — The Ferguson Police Department has released a statement from the family of Travis Brown, the officer who was injured during protests on the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death.
Brown was knocked over by a protester as shown on recently released body camera footage. The incident left Brown with a life-threatening brain injury. Brown was unconscious and prone on his back with the suspect lying on this chest as other officers quickly arrived and jumped on the suspect, identified as 28-year-old Elijah Gantt.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Ferguson police release body camera footage of protest where officer was badly hurt
Ferguson police are accepting donations for Brown's family at their headquarters located at 222 South Florissant Road between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. All gifts, cards and money will reportedly be delivered directly to the family.
Backstoppers, a nonprofit that provides financial assistance to families of injured or killed first responders, also announced Wednesday it is helping Brown's family. Those interested in donating to the nonprofit can click here.
Read the family's full statement here:
Our family deeply values the sacrifices and commitment made by first responders around the world. We are proud to be part of a community of veterans who have dedicated their lives to this noble profession. Over the years, we have supported many heroes, both locally and abroad, who have suffered in the line of duty.
On the early morning of Saturday, August 10, 2024, our beloved, Officer Travis Brown, suffered a serious physical injury while performing his tour of duty. He is currently in critical condition, surrounded by his loved ones, as he bravely fights for his life. We are holding onto hope and trusting in the power of faith to see him through this difficult time.
Travis is more than a police officer; he is a devoted father, son, brother, uncle, godfather, and friend. A man of strong faith, his heart is as big as his smile, and his positive energy is truly contagious. TJ is also an athlete, an adventurer, a lover of movies, and so much more. We know he is determined to continue living life to the fullest once he has recovered.
At this time, we kindly ask for your continued prayers as we focus on Travis’s healing and recovery. For those who wish to offer tangible support, we ask that donations be directed to the Ferguson Police Department, which will ensure they reach our family. Additionally, financial contributions can be made to the official GoFundMe account set up under “Support for Officer Travis Brown”.
From the depths of our hearts, we extend our sincerest thanks for the overwhelming outpouring of support we have received. The generosity of countless individuals has touched us profoundly, and we are deeply grateful. While it is impossible to personally thank everyone who has contributed, we want to acknowledge the entire first responder community—police officers, firefighters, paramedics, doctors, and nurses—who have played a vital role in assisting Travis. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to Chief Troy Doyle and the Ferguson Police Department, the St. Louis County Police Department, the St. Louis Police Wives Association, BackStoppers, Need of Aid Foundation, and many others within the community for their unwavering support.
We stand for peace across the United States of America and beyond. In these challenging times, we pray for unity and for God’s mercy to rest upon us all.