ATLANTA — A man is facing charges after damaging the eternal flame at Martin Luther King Jr.’s burial site.
Police say Brent Jones, 26, urinated in the reflecting pool and stomped on and broke the eternal flame at the site.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
A family visiting the area told Channel 2 Action News that they wanted to visit the burial site, but showed up Saturday morning to find it destroyed.
They shared photos that showed broken pieces strewn across the area.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Daycare to close doors after owner accused of slapping, dragging 4-year-old girl
- 4 dead, at least 12 injured after gunfire during post-homecoming gathering in Mississippi
- Convicted murderer, escaped inmate caught in Atlanta back in Louisiana
Police say that Jones was taken into custody.
According to Fulton County jail records, Jones is charged with public indecency, trespassing, criminal damage and obstruction.
A representative from The King Center issued the following statement:
“The King Center is aware of a minor incident that occurred near the Eternal Flame. While there was minimal damage to the Eternal Flame and the surrounding area, The King Center remains fully open to visitors. The Eternal Flame still burns with love, and we continue to welcome everyone with open arms and gratitude for the incredible support of our beloved community. The dream lives on.”
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
©2025 Cox Media Group
