VIDEO: Mississippi City Councilman's Remarks on Attacking Officers Spark Firestorm

A Jackson, MS, city councilman angered the local and national law enforcement community last week when he recommended that people in his district should respond to officers from other jurisdictions pursuing suspects into their neighborhoods by attacking the officers with rocks, bottles, and bricks.

In an interview with reporters on Thursday following a vehicle pursuit by Pearl police officers that ended in his district, Councilman Kenneth Stokes said that police from surrounding cities put Jackson children in danger when they chase people on neighborhood streets, reports MS News Now. He says he'd like black leadership to team up and use force. 

"What I suggest, we get the black leadership together, and as these jurisdictions come into Jackson, we throw rocks, bricks and bottles at them. That will send a message we don't want you in here."

Stokes' comments were met with a strong response by Madison County Sheriff Randy Tucker who took to Facebook to say, "Stokes…I'm your huckleberry. Law enforcement will not be intimidated by you." The saying "I'm your huckleberry" was common in the 19th century and was revived in the 1993 movie "Tombstone." It can mean "I accept your challenge."

Governor Phil Bryant also released a statement that condemned Stokes' remarks:

“Mr. Stokes’ remarks are reprehensible, particularly with the attacks we have seen against our men and women in law enforcement. I condemn any such remarks in the strongest possible manner. 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.”