Phil Bryant, Miss. gov., orders probe of state councilman who says let’s pelt rocks, bricks at cops

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant on Saturday condemned the recent remarks a local elected official made about pelting cops with rocks, bottles and bricks.

Jackson Councilman Kenneth Stokes told reporters Thursday that officers from surrounding jurisdictions were putting Jackson children in danger when they pursue suspects wanted for minor crimes in his neighborhood, Fox News reported.

“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,” Mr. Stokes said.

He said that would send a stern message to officers who want to track down young men who steal bubble gum, according to Fox.

Mr. Bryant took to Facebook on Saturday to denounce Mr. Stokes’ comments and called for an investigation to determine whether his remarks “represent criminal threats against law enforcement officers.”

The governor called Mr. Stokes’ comment “reprehensible, particularly with the attacks we have seen against our men and women in law enforcement,” and said he condemned the remarks in “the strongest possible manner. This is nothing short of an outright assault upon all who wear the badge.”

Mr. Bryant said he would be asking Attorney General Jim Hood to investigate.

Mr. Stokes defended his position on Friday saying, “When you have these police officers coming from other jurisdictions, and they will not respect human life, then I said we should use rocks, bricks or bottles to try to get the message over: Stop endangering our children,” the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported.

Other officials who have spoken out about the matter include Sheriff Randy Tucker of neighboring Madison County, who took to Facebook to issue a warning to Mr. Stokes.

“Any Madison County law enforcement that is attacked because of your ignorant statements, I will hold you responsible,” he said.

Jackson Mayor Tony Yarber tweeted that while there is a need to demand respect of jurisdictional boundaries, he could never condone violence against officers, according to the Clarion-Ledger.