The past few weeks have seen heightened tensions and an outpouring of violence following Alton Sterling’s death. In the latest horrible development, Gavin Long reportedly launched an attack on police in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He killed three officers and injured several more before police shot and killed him. Authorities believe more gunmen may be at large, and the investigation continues while social media takes time to reflect upon the officer victims.
So much has happened in the past few weeks with the Baton Rouge attack following shortly after the Dallas Police shooting. Then, the nation gathered around Chief David Brown, whose own tragic history shone a light on how he was the best equipped person to lead his city (and the nation) through difficult times. Now, another officer’s reflections may break your heart.
Montrell Jackson is the first identified slain officer from today’s Baton Rouge tragedy. At age 32, he became a first-time father in March. Montrell was a 10-year-veteran of the Baton Rouge PD and adored his job until recently. He penned a Facebook post amid the ongoing clashes between police and protesters. In doing so, Jackson revealed how difficult he found his last days on the force:
“I’ve experienced so much in my short life and the past 3 days have tested me to the core … I swear to God I love this city but I wonder if this city loves me. In uniform I get nasty hateful looks and out of uniform some consider me a threat … These are trying times. Please don’t let hate infect your heart. This city MUST and WILL get better. I’m working in these streets so any protesters, officers, friends, family, or whoever, if you see me and need a hug or want to say a prayer I got you.”
There are no words to describe the horror here. Jackson wanted to help his city heal, but he’ll never have that chance. Here’s a screenshot of Jackson’s Facebook post.
"I wonder if this city loves me. In uniform I get nasty hateful looks" – slain Baton Rouge cop after Dallas pic.twitter.com/WnTypRUhoy (KATC)
— BNO News (@BNONews) July 17, 2016
CNN also put together a clip on Jackson’s final days and his work for the Baton Rouge PD.