Dr. Ben Carson vs. Rev. Al Sharpton?

Carson on Monday challenged Sharpton to a public debate on how violence across America can be tapered down, using the unrest in Ferguson, Mo., as a launching point.

“I had an opportunity to speak with Reverend Sharpton a couple months ago at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner,” Carson said on Fox News, “and said, ‘we want the same kinds of things but we have very different approaches to achieving them. What do you think about a public debate to talk about the various ways that we can get this done?'”

Carson said Sharpton was “initially enthusiastic” about the offer but they have yet to schedule a debate. “But the offer still stands,” he said.

Carson is a Fox News contributor while Sharpton hosts a primetime show on MSNBC.

Sharpton has led rallies in Ferguson over the killing of unarmed 18-year-old Michael Brown. Brown, who is black, was shot dead by a white officer last Saturday.

Sharpton has been accused of amping up the unrest in Ferguson, which has led to rioting and looting, according to police.

We’ve requested comment from a Sharpton spokeswoman.

UPDATE — 11:48 p.m. ET: Sharpton’s spokeswoman got back to us shortly after this post published and told us Sharpton is unaware of Carson’s offer to a public debate. She said, however, that Sharpton has invited Carson onto his MSNBC program in the past and Carson has declined. The spokeswoman said Sharpton’s offer is “an open invitation” to Carson.

Watch via Fox News:

[Image via Fox News/screen grab]

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