TULSA, Okla., April 12 (UPI) -- The Rev. Jesse Jackson wants a federal investigation of the recent shootings in Tulsa, Okla., saying local officials are reluctant to call it a hate crime.
Jackson, who plans to visit the city this weekend, said there is a pattern of blacks being attacked in Oklahoma, with a number of unsolved killings.
"There is a pattern of attacks on blacks here, and that's why we're urging the Department of Justice and the FBI to intervene," Jackson said. "It's not unlike the old South, where local officials spent an awful lot of time covering their tracks."
Tulsa County District Attorney Tim Harris told the newspaper he does not yet have enough evidence to call the killings a hate crime.
However, Jackson praised Tulsa police for moving quickly on the recent shootings. Two white men were arrested Sunday and charged with shooting five black men, killing three of them.
Jackson, who was on a conference call Wednesday that included local black leaders, is to meet with ministers and officials Friday at First Baptist Church North Tulsa. He plans to hold a public rally at the church Saturday.
The Rev. Al Sharpton and NAACP President Benjamin Jealous will be at a rally Sunday at Greater Union Baptist Church, Bob Kendrick Sr., the pastor, said.
