A police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, named Travis Brown, suffered severe brain injury during a protest marking the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown’s death, according to a statement on a GoFundMe page set up to assist the officer and his family. Travis Brown, 36, has undergone surgeries and other medical procedures to address brain swelling and fluid accumulation since the attack on Friday. Over $78,000 has been donated through the GoFundMe site to support his recovery.

Despite the challenging situation, there have been small signs of progress in Travis Brown’s condition, including coughs, slight movements in his leg and hand, and encouraging brain activity results. The road to recovery is expected to be long and difficult, but there is hope for improvement.

The incident occurred during a protest in Ferguson to remember Michael Brown. When a few demonstrators began causing damage, Travis Brown and fellow officers stepped in to make arrests. Surveillance footage revealed a suspect, Elijah Gantt, charging and knocking Brown backward, leading to his severe injury.

Travis Brown, who is not related to Michael Brown, joined the Ferguson Police Department in January after serving with the St. Louis County Police Department for 11 years. He is described as a devoted father, son, and officer who aimed to contribute positively to the community.

Following Michael Brown’s death in 2014, Ferguson gained national attention due to the Black Lives Matter movement. Three investigations concluded there were no grounds to prosecute the officer involved in Brown’s death, which led to extensive protests and changes in policing practices in Ferguson.

Elijah Gantt, the suspect in the assault on Travis Brown, is facing charges and is currently in jail on a $500,000 bond. The incident has sparked concerns and support for Brown’s recovery, with the GoFundMe page aiming to assist with expenses and support his children. Tragically, the event serves as a reminder of the ongoing complexities of community policing and the need for unity in challenging times.