A Missouri delegate withdrew from the Democratic National Convention Wednesday after he was arrested for property damage during a violent protest that left a police officer in critical condition.
Keith Rose, an uncommitted alternate delegate for the Democratic Party, was charged with felony first-degree property damage for kicking in part of a metal gate outside the Ferguson Police Department, ABC News reported. Rose was one of hundreds of protesters who rallied in a St. Louis suburb to mark the 10-year anniversary of Micheal Brown’s death. One participant charged a police officer and knocked him to the ground, causing a severe brain injury, police reported.
Rose’s withdrawal comes days before the Democratic National Convention, which is set to take place in Chicago. Authorities are expecting thousands of protesters at the event itself in opposition to the ongoing war in Gaza and the Biden-Harris administration’s continued support of Israel.
The Missouri Democratic Party said Rose withdrew from the convention "voluntarily" and that it "condemns the violence" that caused Ferguson police officer Travis Brown’s critical condition.
"The Missouri Democratic Party is taking appropriate action according to Party rules in replacing Mr. Rose with another uncommitted alternate from the area," the group said.
In addition to his role as a Missouri delegate, Rose serves on the Civilian Oversight Board for the St. Louis Police Department, which reviews allegations of police misconduct. After his actions at the Friday protest, some are pushing to have him removed, ABC News reported.
Rose has been a leading activist for police reform and election integrity in his state. He sued the City of St. Louis and the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department for wrongful treatment during a 2017 protest following the acquittal of a white cop who fatally shot a black suspect. Rose won a significant legal settlement from the case, according to Fox 2 News.
After Rose and fellow protesters allegedly tried to pull down the perimeter fence of the police station, 28-year-old suspect Elijah Gantt tackled Officer Brown outside the station, newly released body camera footage shows. After slamming his head on the pavement, Brown was left "fighting for his life," police said.
Rose’s attorney said his charges were bogus and that Rose was not involved in damaging the fence, according to Fox 2 News.