Slain Baton Rouge Officer Had Shared Touching Facebook Post Days Before Death
BATON ROUGE, La. (CBSLA.com) — One of three officers slain in an "ambush-style" attack in Baton Rouge was identified by family members as 32-year-old Montrell Jackson, who was both a father and a husband.
Jackson on Sunday lost his life while serving the people of Baton Rouge, along with two other officers.
The three were among six officers who authorities say were shot by suspected gunman, Gavin Long of Kansas City, Mo. in an ambush-style attack on his 29th birthday.
In a recent Facebook post, Jackson explained of how "physically and emotionally" drained he had been since the protests in Baton Rouge erupted following the killing of Alton Sterling by police.
Sterling, a black man, had been killed by white officers in Baton Rouge nearly two weeks ago. The deadly officer-involved shooting had spurred rising tensions in the city, as well as the nation.
COMPLETE COVERAGE: Baton Rouge Police Shootings
"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," he wrote.
He went on to say:
"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 … These are trying times. Please don't let hate infect your heart."
Jackson also added: "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."
The shooting marked the second time in less than a month a gunman has targeted law enforcement officers in a coordinated and bloody attack. A motive behind the rampage was not immediately known.
Jackson is survived by his wife and infant son.
