Baton Rouge victim: 'Don't let hate infect your heart'

Monday 18 July 2016 at 4:23am

Montrell Jackson had a four-month old son Credit: Montrell Jackson/Facebook

"Don't let hate infect your heart", Baton Rouge police officer Montrell Jackson wrote 10 days ago on his Facebook.

The new father had taken to social media to describe the difficulties of being both a black man and a police officer in the wake of the fatal shootings Alton Sterling and Philando Castile.

Over a week ago, a gunman shot dead five police officers in Dallas - apparently in response to these deaths.

But tn his Facebook post, Mr Jackson promised readers that - despite "trying times" - his city would come out the better for it.

On Sunday, Mr Jackson died alongside two other police officers in that very city after they were shot by a former US marine.

Three officers were killed in the shootout Credit: Reuters

Mr Jackson, 32, was described by friends as a gentle giant and father to a four-month-old son.

His Facebook page appeared to be covered in pictures of that child.

Despite his Facebook plea for Baton Rouge to pull together, Mr Jackson has now become the latest victim in a spate of shootings across the US.

Here is his post:

I'm tired physically and emotionally. Disappointed in some family, friends, and officers for some reckless comments but hey what's in your heart is in your heart. I still love you all because hate takes too much energy but I definitely won't be looking at you the same. Thank you to everyone that has reached out to me or my wife it was needed and much appreciated. 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 at threat. I've experienced so much in my short life and these last 3 days have tested me to the core. When people you know begin to question your integrity you realize they don't really know you at all. Look at my actions they speak LOUD and CLEAR. Finally I personally want to send prayers out to everyone directly affected by this tragedy. 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.