Amidst recent events in Ferguson, Missouri, calls have been made for a St. Louis alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention (DNC) to resign from his position on a police oversight board. Keith Rose, a member of the City of St. Louis’ Civilian Oversight Board, was arrested during a protest in Ferguson where a police officer was critically injured. Rose is accused of first-degree property damage for allegedly kicking in part of a metal gate outside the Ferguson Police Department during the protest.
Video footage released by police shows Rose among a group of demonstrators attempting to tear down the gate. One protester, Elijah Gantt, knocked over Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown, causing him to sustain a severe brain injury. Following Rose's arrest, three members of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen have called for his resignation from the oversight board.
Despite the calls for resignation, three other Aldermen have expressed support for Rose and emphasized the importance of due process. Rose's attorney, Javad Khazaeli, stated that Rose has recused himself from board activities except for training and denied his involvement in damaging the fence.
The Missouri Democratic Party announced that Rose has voluntarily withdrawn as an uncommitted alternate delegate to the DNC in light of the charges against him. The party condemned the violence that injured Officer Brown and extended well-wishes to him and his family.
Officer Brown remains in critical condition after being struck by Gantt during the protest. The incident occurred on the 10th anniversary of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, which sparked widespread protests and contributed to the Black Lives Matter movement. The Justice Department's decision not to charge the officer involved in Michael Brown's shooting highlighted racial bias in the Ferguson police department and county courts.
Community members, police, first responders, and clergy gathered outside the Ferguson Police Department to show support for Officer Brown and emphasize unity in the face of adversity.
