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In an interview with NewsmaxTV, Rev. Jesse Jackson challenged claims being made that the murder of two NYPD officers in Brooklyn this weekend were related to anti-police statements made by President Barack Obama, Attorney General Eric Holder, and Rev. Al Sharpton.
"That's wild and irresponsible language," Jackson asserted. "Clearly, here is a man who is mentally challenged, who shot his own girlfriend, estranged from his family, and posted killing two policemen. This is a cold-blooded, sick man, and to equate him with the dignity of the civil rights struggle for justice for all is not a fair equation."
"I think we should be careful not to try to stereotype all police. Most police do their jobs," said Jackson. He continued: "We need police, police need people. We must work out a relationship that allows us both to respect each other and pursue justice and fairness."
Jackson was adamant that this weekend's violence was the action of a lone individual who did not represent protestors in cities across the country.
"This was not a political assassination," Jackson insisted. "This was the act of a deranged, sick man. We should not equate the acts of a sick man who did a sick thing with mass demonstrations for justice and for healing. Don't make that equation."