Keith Rose, a member of the Civilian Oversight Board for the St. Louis Police Department, has been charged with felony first-degree property damage following an incident at the Ferguson Police Department. Rose, also an uncommitted Missouri alternate delegate for the Democratic National Convention, is currently out on a $500 bond and is set to appear in court on August 22 without a listed attorney. Rose expressed confidence that the charge against him will be dropped once all evidence is reviewed and stated his readiness to defend himself against the accusation.
The events unfolded during a gathering in Ferguson to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death, where protesters damaged a police department fence late into the night. Officer Travis Brown, responding to the incident, was critically injured when a suspect, identified as Elijah Gantt, charged at him and knocked him down, causing a severe brain injury. Gantt faces multiple charges, including assault, while Rose and four other protesters were charged with property damage.
Since his appointment to the city police oversight board in early 2024, concerns have been raised regarding Rose’s neutrality in matters concerning the St. Louis City Police Department due to the charges against him. The Missouri Democratic Party issued a statement condemning the violence leading to Officer Travis Brown’s injury and mentioned ongoing discussions regarding the situation involving Keith Rose.
Ferguson gained national attention as a focal point of the Black Lives Matter movement in the wake of Michael Brown’s death in 2014. Officer Darren Wilson, responsible for the fatal shooting, faced no charges after three separate investigations. However, the incident prompted significant protests and a Department of Justice investigation that mandated reforms in Ferguson’s policing and judicial systems. Officer Travis Brown, unrelated to Michael Brown, remains hospitalized with severe injuries, sparking outrage within the Ferguson community.
The diverse composition of the current Ferguson police force contrasts with the predominantly white force in 2014, with increased Black representation and enhanced training procedures in place. Despite positive changes in the department over the years, the recent attack on Officer Travis Brown serves as a stark reminder of the underlying tensions and ongoing challenges within the community.
