A person in Atlanta tried to extinguish Martin Luther King Jr.’s Eternal Flame by urinating on it on the King Center in Atlanta and now faces a stack of prison fees.

Officers arrested 26-year-old Brent Jones at 4:30 A.M. Saturday after responding to a trespassing name on the historic web site on Auburn Avenue. Police say they discovered Jones urinating within the reflecting pool close to the tomb of Dr. King and Coretta Scott King.

According to arrest warrants, Jones prompted almost $3,000 in harm. He “began damaging the property further” when requested to depart “by urinating into the reflection pool at The King Center, where Dr. Martin Luther King and Ms. Coretta Scott King were laid to rest.”

Authorities say Jones didn’t cease there. He “also damaged the eternal flame at the location that is a memorial site for Dr. King Jr.” by urinating on it “to put it out.” Officers added that he was “stomping on the Eternal Flame, causing significant damage.”

The flame, which burns repeatedly, represents Dr. King’s imaginative and prescient of peace and equality. As described on the King Center’s website, it “symbolizes the continuing effort to realize Dr. King’s dream of the ‘Beloved Community.’”

The arrest report says Jones climbed into the flame’s pot and “stood in the pot damaging it” after ignoring orders to depart the restricted space. He additionally “proceeded to scatter the documents that were on the memorial podium for Dr. King Jr.”

Security tried to intervene, however Jones started trying to struggle the on-site guard. Once in handcuffs, he managed to slide out of his restraints and resisted officers in the course of the arrest.

While in custody on the precinct, Jones allegedly “attempted to expose himself and urinate” once more, resulting in a further public indecency cost.

He now faces fees together with second-degree prison harm to property, prison trespass, public indecency and obstruction of legislation enforcement. He was booked into Fulton County Jail.

The King Center later described the incident as “minor,” with out providing additional touch upon repairs or safety adjustments.

This act follows one other troubling incident in 2023 when a lady was arrested for allegedly attempting to set hearth to Dr. King’s birth home.

The King Center, a nationwide landmark, attracts 1000’s of holiday makers annually who come to honor the legacy of the civil rights icon and his spouse.

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