TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Florida Governor Rick Scott is asking for an apology from civil rights activist Jesse Jackson.
Scott called comments made by Jackson during a rally at the Florida Capitol "derisive" and "reckless."
Jackson supported the Dream Defenders during an ongoing sit-in to protest the state's controversial Stand Your Ground law. The group is requesting Scott call a special session to discuss the law and other social issues. Their protest stems from the acquittal of former neighborhood watch captain George Zimmerman.
So far, Scott has refused their request.
The veteran activist criticized the state as the "Selma of our time" and made a comparison of Scott to former Alabama Gov. George Wallace. Selma, Alabama was the site of civil rights protests and clashes with police during the '60s.
The following is the Governor Scott's complete statement:
“Jesse Jackson owes every Floridian an apology for his reckless and divisive comments. It is unfortunate that he would come to Florida to insult Floridians and divide our state at a time when we are striving for unity and healing. Floridians are a strong, resilient people. We are fortunate to live in a great state where all Floridians enjoy opportunities to get a great job and a world-class education.”
