The widow of retired St. Louis Police Capt. David Dorn, Ann Dorn, recently spoke out after police in the area released new bodycam footage of a protester brutally beating a Ferguson Police officer. This incident took place over the weekend and has sparked outrage and concern for the safety of law enforcement officers during protests and demonstrations.
Ann Dorn, herself a retired sergeant from the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, emphasized that while people have the right to protest, violence should not be tolerated. She stated, “A protest is one thing, but when it turns violent, those people need to be looked at as either terrorists or be charged with rioting, not just assault, destruction of property. There are rioting charges, and it needs to be handled accordingly.”
This sentiment comes from personal experience, as Capt. Dorn was tragically shot and killed by looters while attempting to protect a store in June 2020 during the aftermath of nationwide riots following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis. The loss of her husband has undoubtedly shaped Ann Dorn’s perspective on the importance of upholding the law and protecting those who serve and protect our communities.
### Violent Confrontation at Ferguson Protest
The incident in question involved Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown, who suffered a brain injury after being attacked by protesters during a demonstration outside the police station. The protest had initially started as a commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the killing of Michael Brown Jr., which had sparked national conversations about police reform and racial justice.
However, as the night progressed, the protest escalated into violence, with Officer Brown becoming a target of the aggression. Ann Dorn expressed her dismay at the turn of events, stating, “There’s going to be a higher penalty for that because a protest is your First Amendment right. You can do that. But once you step over the line to violence, it’s uncalled for.”
The new footage released by Ferguson officials shows Elijah M. Gantt, the individual charged with causing Officer Brown’s brain injury, leading the crowd in shaking the gate in front of the police station before charging at and knocking Brown to the ground. This disturbing act of violence highlights the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during protests and demonstrations.
### Calls for Accountability and Support
In response to the attack on Officer Brown, Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones, St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell, and Police Chief Troy Doyle held a press conference to share the new videos with the public. They also announced new charges against Gantt and reiterated their support for Officer Brown and his family during this challenging time.
Bell emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, stating, “We respect everyone’s First Amendment rights. You have a right to peacefully protest, but when you cross the line of harming folks that are damaging property, you’re going to be held accountable.” This commitment to upholding the law and ensuring justice for victims of violence is crucial in maintaining public safety and order.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey also weighed in on the incident, condemning the attack on Officer Brown and affirming his support for law enforcement officers. Bailey stated, “What happened over the weekend in Ferguson was abhorrent. Anyone who targets our men and women in uniform must be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. I will always back our men and women in blue.”
### The Impact of Violence on Families
Ann Dorn’s perspective on the recent attack on Officer Brown is deeply personal, as she has experienced the devastating loss of her husband at the hands of violent individuals. Reflecting on her own experience, she shared the emotional toll that such incidents can have on families and loved ones of law enforcement officers.
Dorn recalled the difficulty of receiving the news of her husband’s death and the impact it had on her ability to continue working in law enforcement. She expressed her love for the job and the sense of abandonment she felt when she had to leave the police department due to the trauma of losing her husband in the line of duty.
The support provided by Chief Doyle and his department to the Brown family during this challenging time has not gone unnoticed by Ann Dorn, who expressed her gratitude for their efforts. She shared her hopes for Officer Brown’s speedy recovery and offered prayers for his family as they navigate the aftermath of this traumatic incident.
In conclusion, the recent attack on Ferguson Police Officer Travis Brown serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers during protests and demonstrations. Ann Dorn’s advocacy for holding individuals accountable for violent acts and upholding the law reflects the broader need for ensuring the safety and well-being of those who serve and protect our communities. As we continue to navigate complex issues of policing and public safety, it is essential to prioritize dialogue, accountability, and support for those who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.