Man Arrested for Vandalizing Eternal Flame at Martin Luther King Jr. Burial Site

A 26-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly vandalizing the Eternal Flame at the burial site of Martin Luther King Jr. Authorities say Brent Jones urinated in the reflecting pool and then stomped on the Eternal Flame, damaging the memorial.

Fulton County Jail records show Jones is charged with second-degree criminal damage to property, criminal trespass, public indecency, and a misdemeanor count of willful obstruction of law enforcement officers.

Despite the incident, officials emphasized that the King Center remains open to visitors. In a statement, the Center said:
“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 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.”

Visitors expressed shock and disappointment at the vandalism. Mitch Blaylock, visiting with his mother, said “We were so heartbroken that at any memorial of any kind, somebody could choose chaos over community, especially at Martin Luther King and Mrs. King’s grave.”

Another visitor . Kaila Tachie-Menson, shared: “I actually believe in our history and I love the fact that we have a center. We have something we can actually come to and again, continue to bring the legacy, continue to bring the posterity to the land.”

The King Center continues to welcome visitors and emphasizes that its mission, programs, and memorials remain unaffected by the incident. Officials also noted that the nearby National Historic Site, which includes Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home and the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church, remains closed due to the government shutdown.