Today to commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., District Attorney Shalena Cook Jones gave a web address to the citizens of Chatham County. In the first address of its type by a sitting Chatham County District Attorney, Jones remarked that Dr. King “though known best for his work in the area of civil rights, desegregation, equal pay and social justice, the greatest lesson that Dr. King taught was a lesson of love, peace and equality.” She further stated, “His impeccable leadership and his legacy of non-violent resistance stands in stark contrast to the events that took place at the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021.”

Jones specified that when it comes to politics and voting, people will understandably disagree. However violence in response to those disagreements is not acceptable and not protected by the law.

“As your District Attorney, it is my job to uphold and defend the Constitution, protect victims of crime and promote public safety. It is a job I took an oath to do and it is a job I take very seriously. I want to be perfectly clear that while the First Amendment does protect freedom of speech and peaceful assembly, it does not protect misconduct, illegal action or any other conduct that incites imminent lawless action. I want to be clear that all lawlessness, rioting, terroristic threats, assault, disorderly conduct, inciting an riot, politically motivated or otherwise, will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.” Jones remarked.

Since the January 6, 2021 incident, there have been concerns that other acts of violence may occur, nationally and locally, as the Presidential Inauguration nears. Jones assured that local law enforcement is taking all necessary precautions. Jones further stated, “I trust these professionals to do their jobs. But, I also trust the citizens of this great county male/female, black/white, Republican/Democrat and others, to do their part to ensure that

there is peace and harmony during this transition.”

Jones closed her address with the words of Dr. King, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love to do that” and asked for the citizens to take time to reflect on what makes this county great.