Slain Baton Rouge officer Montrell Jackson wrote before death: “These are trying times. Please don’t let hate infect your heart”

Jul 18, 2016

Just two weeks before the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of three Baton Rouge police officers on Sunday morning, Officer Montrell Jackson, 32, took to Facebook to lament the state of race relations in our country.

‘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,” he wrote.

—Baton Rouge police say gunman “was seeking out” officers to “ambush”

“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,” he added.

He went on to describe the difficulties of being both black and a police officer.

“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. I’ve experienced so much in my short life and these last three 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.

—3 police officers killed, 3 injured during shootout in Baton Rouge

“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.”

Jackson, was a 10-year veteran of the department and came from a family who served in law enforcement. His brother Kedrick Pitts, told NPR that Jackson was well-known throughout the community and wanted peace in light of the Alton Sterling shooting.

“He wants justice for their family also, but he just asks everyone to respect everyone, continue to love everyone and he wanted everyone to get through this together,” said Pitts. “He didn’t want any hatred going on, especially killing, you know. He was a police officer. He wanted peace.”

Jackson leaves behind a wife and four-month old baby boy.

—Sacramento mayor helps pay for funeral of suspect killed by police