Grundy Reporter

Grundy County State's Attorney Jason Helland shared a post on social media that has caused plenty of backlash. 

The Facebook post shared by the prosecutor said, "Love to see several armed men in our community come out to stand in front of our shops," WGN 9 reported. 

The attorney has since removed the post, but told WGN 9 he shared it because he thought people were supporting more law enforcers protecting businesses in the community. 

Jeff Brown, who is running for Grundy County State's attorney, said on Facebook he was shocked by what Helland posted. 

"Then to find out he was inciting violence by asking 'several armed men in our community' to come and stand in front of businesses in Morris left me at a loss for words," Brown said. "Those businesses are owned by people I grew up with, family members and people I consider family. I believe they should be protected to the greatest extent legally possible... To call for an armed group of men from the community is RECKLESS and for them to use deadly force to protect property would be unlawful in itself."

Brown said he believes Helland did not actually mean to say he was supporting law enforcement in the community, but was just trying to cover up for a mistake he made.

"Helland has deleted the post and tried to back track, saying he meant police officers," Brown said on Facebook.

Brown said if he truly meant the police, he could have called the police himself to ask for more protection since he has the phone numbers for the Morris Police Chief and Grundy County Sheriff. 

"While he didn’t call Morris Police Chief John Severson, I did and offered any services I could provide and kept updated with the protests making sure all officers and citizens were safe," Brown said on Facebook. "Sheriff Ken Briley was obviously not contacted on the issue either seeing as he had to issue a statement urging people NOT to do what Jason Helland said in his post. It’s not only a bad excuse, but a blatant lie."

Brown is running for the position Helland currently holds and said on Facebook he would uphold the expected values of the position, one of which being integrity. 

"Integrity is the most important asset for a prosecutor," Brown said on Facebook. "You are supposed to be held to a higher standard than any other citizen or lawyer. You are supposed to be a person who never allows your personal or political views to impact your judgment."