'Kill Someone, We Might Kill You Back' Warns County Welcome Sign

HARRIS COUNTY, GA – Sheriff Mike Jolley wants to welcome people to the county he lives in but he also wants them to know if they're carrying a weapon and they're up to trouble, they might be in trouble themselves. And he has put up a sign telling them so.

"Our citizens have concealed weapons," the sign reads. "If you kill someone, we might kill you back. We have ONE jail and 356 cemeteries. Enjoy your stay!”

"It's meant tongue-in-cheek," Sheriff Jolley said, "It's a way to say people in this county have a second amendment right and if someone uses a weapon, they're likely in danger. Don't do anything crazy. We're likely to shoot back.

"I think the sign speaks for itself," he said. "Citizens here have weapons and that's legal. We've seen an increase in weapons sales. The citizens have a legal right to protect themselves and their property. If you come into our county and kill someone, you might get killed back. Weapons are a tool. They're not intended for someone to use in a criminal act."

Sheriff Jolley, who put up the new sign Tuesday, says he puts up a new sign every eight months or so. Once, he said, he put up a sign congratulating the graduating class. "It said we stand for the flag and kneel to pray. That's the way my citizens look at life and I think most of America feels the same way."

Sheriff Jolley is proud of the politically incorrect nature of the sign. "I want people to come into to town and say, 'Wow.'"

This isn't the first time one of Sheriff Jolley's signs has garnered attention, locally or nationally.

In November 2015, Jolley put up a sign that read, “Warning: Harris County is politically incorrect. We say Merry Christmas, God Bless America and In God We Trust. We Salute our troops and our flag. If this offends you... Leave!"

Reportedly, Sheriff Jolley paid for the 2015 sign himself because of his strong endorsement of the message. The American Humanist Association sent a letter to Harris County requesting the sign be removed. They said the sign was unconstitutional and openly hostile to people who do not share the sheriff's religious views.

He said he understands that not everyone appreciates the sign, but 98 to 99 percent of his citizens tell him they do.

Sheriff Jolley doesn't mind being politically incorrect on his agency's website either.

"Thank you for visiting the Harris County Sheriff’s Office website," it reads. "It is my hope and prayer that this visit will be helpful and informative. My staff and I are here to proudly serve you during times of stress and emergencies. If additional assistance is needed please feel free to call or visit us in person."

The Sheriff's website also has a tab where you can order "politically incorrect" T-shirts and signs.

The Sheriff said the crime rate in his county is "very low." In fact, he said he believes that based on the most serious crimes that have to be reported to the state, Harris County has the lowest crime rate. Those include robbery, aggravated assault, murder, rape, burglary, larceny, arson and motor vehicle theft.

"We have very law-abiding citizens," he said. "And my staff has a very good reputation."

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Photo courtesy Harris County Sheriff's Office