In a shocking development during the commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Michael Brown's fatal shooting, a Ferguson police officer was critically injured outside the city's police station amidst protests. Officer Travis Brown suffered a severe brain injury on Friday after being knocked to the ground, according to Ferguson Police Chief Troy Doyle.

Chief Doyle stated that Officer Brown is currently fighting for his life in a nearby hospital. Two other officers were also injured during the incident, with one sustaining an ankle injury and another an abrasion. The officers had been deployed to apprehend individuals involved in property destruction at the police station, where protestors had gathered to remember Michael Brown.

Travis Brown, who is Black, joined the Ferguson Police Department in January after previously working with the St. Louis County Police Department. Chief Doyle emphasized that Officer Brown had been motivated to create positive change within their community. Expressing his frustration, Doyle said, "He wanted to be part of the change. He wanted to make an impact in our community. And what happens? He gets assaulted. I had to look his mother in the eye and tell her what happened to her son. I'm never going to do that again, I promise you that."

St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell, who visited the officer's family at the hospital, confirmed that charges were being prepared. However, he refrained from disclosing the names of the suspects until the charges were officially filed. Bell expressed his anguish over the situation, saying, "The toughest thing I've had to do is talk and console with a mother who doesn't know if her child is going to make it. And for what?"

The organizers of Friday's protests remain unclear, as activist attendees and previous protest organizers did not respond immediately to calls and messages from The Associated Press.

In a separate incident, a member of the St. Louis Fire Department has been placed on leave after making an insensitive social media post. The department condemned the behavior and assured that appropriate action would be taken. The content of the post was not revealed, but local news outlets reported that it included the phrase, "Happy ALIVE day to Darren Wilson!"

The tragic death of Michael Brown in 2014 transformed Ferguson into a focal point for the ongoing national discussion surrounding the relationship between law enforcement and the Black community. The subsequent investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Justice in 2015 found no grounds to prosecute Officer Wilson but sharply criticized the Ferguson Police Department, citing concerns about the mistreatment of Black residents and a court system that perpetuated a cycle of debt for many in the community.