The president of a Philadelphia police union referred to the Black Lives Matter movement as a “pack of rabid animals” during a police rally.
Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 5 President John McNesby, speaking at a Thursday FOP event, criticized Black Lives Matter members for gathering outside the home of Officer Ryan Pownall to protest the fatal shooting of David Jones, a black man, reports NewsWorks.
“When you go to work each day, you shouldn’t have to worry that a pack of rabid animals will suddenly show up at your home and openly threaten your family,” McNesby said, speaking at the FOP headquarters.”These are not activists, they are racist hate groups determined to instigate violence.”
Hundreds of former and current police officers came to the headquarters for the “Back the Blue” event to throw their support behind Pownall. The officer shot Jones after pulling him over for a traffic violation in June. The two got into an altercation and Jones tried to flee, prompting Pownall to shoot him in the back.
After facing pressure from Black Lives Matter protesters, the police department decided to release Pownall’s name to the general public. Black Lives Matter protesters showed up to Pownall’s house Aug. 24 and with his family present, took out bullhorns and carried signs saying Pownall was a murderer.
Activist Asa Khalif said his group would not be backing down, adding that they may show up to Ponwall’s house again to protest against him.
“We will not let words stop us. The only words we’re using is justice for David Jones, and we will not be sidetracked by the bullying tactics of the FOP,” said Khalif.
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