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FERGUSON, Mo., Sept. 26 (UPI) -- Hours after publicly apologizing to Michael Brown's parents and swearing he would not resign, Ferguson Police Chief Thomas Jackson dressed in plain clothes as he joined protesters and attempted to answer questions Thursday night. "I'm sorry, and I said that from my heart," Jackson told protesters.
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"I had to get that off my chest. It's been sitting there for two months."
Rather than ease tensions, Jackson's presence only further agitated the crowd.
"If you are not resigning tonight, go home," shouted one Ferguson citizen via bullhorn.
"I don't think he was marching with the protesters more than 30 seconds before the riot cops came out into the crowd and tried to get themselves closer to him and protect him," St. Louis Alderman Antonio French, who was also present, told NBC News.
"Just them being out there pushing started stuff -- it's a complete misread of the situation. His very presence agitated the crowd."
For the record: This is the second riot this police chief has incited. He needs to resign. https://t.co/HBIxtcLPsU #Ferguson
Advertisement— Antonio French (@AntonioFrench) September 26, 2014Jackson was eventually ushered to safety by riot police.
