New York Daily News – by Melissa Stumpf
A Mississippi councilman said that he wants people to throw rocks, bricks and bottles at officers chasing suspects wanted for misdemeanor crimes.
Jackson Councilman Kenneth Stokes said he’s had enough and that police pursuits put area residents in danger.
“What I suggest is we get the black leadership together and as these jurisdictions come into Jackson, we throw rocks and bricks and bottles at them,” Stokes told WLBT-3 News on Thursday.
That will send a message we don’t want you here,” he added.
Stokes told the local news that he demands the same respect for Jackson that is given to surrounding cities in Mississippi.
That will send a message we don’t want you here,” he added.
Stokes told the local news that he demands the same respect for Jackson that is given to surrounding cities in Mississippi.
Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker was among those who took to social media to voice his anger.
Madison is located about 25 miles from Jackson.
“Any Madison county law enforcement that is attacked because of your ignorant statements, I will hold you responsible,” Tucker said on Facebook.
The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department, located approximately 140 miles from Jackson, joined in on the social media storm stating that they will no longer do business in Jackson.
They also urged all sheriffs and chiefs of police in the state of Mississippi to do the same until Stokes resigns.
Jim Hood, the attorney general of the state, posted a comment via Twitter on Saturday saying that “Actions that put law enforcement officers in harm’s way cannot be tolerated.”
Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant is said to be threatening to investigate Stokes over his suggestion for violence, CNN reports.
On Friday, Bryant said on Facebook that he condemns “any such remarks in the strongest possible manner,” he said.
“This is nothing short of an outright assault upon all who wear the badge. I will be asking Attorney General Jim Hood to investigate whether Mr. Stokes’ remarks represent criminal threats against law enforcement officers,” Bryant added.
Twitter users from across the nation were also outraged — calling Stokes “unfit to serve,” and saying that the rocks and bottles should be thrown at him instead.
“He is not fit to serve on the Jackson, Mississippi City Council,” said Cameron Gray on Twitter.
“Councilman Kenneth Stokes should resign. You should support your local police…not suggest citizens throw rocks and bricks at them #wrong,” said another.
Stokes did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Another genius that made it into politics… 😈
“… we throw rocks and bricks and bottles at them,”
Advocating suicide?
A la Palestinian style?