Durham city councilwoman clarifies Facebook post about police and guns

DURHAM (WTVD) -- Durham City Councilwoman Jillian Johnson took to her city Facebook page Wednesday morning to clarify a post she made on her personal Facebook page June 20.

In the original post - which has since been deleted - Johnson wrote:

"I am all about keeping guns away from dangerous people, but I feel like more of us should be pointing out that the most dangerous people with guns are cops and soldiers, and that the no-fly list and FBI anti-terror efforts are seriously corrupted by entrapment, racial profiling and Islamophobia."

Screen shots of the original post were sent to ABC11 by viewers.

In her clarifying Facebook post, Johnson wrote in part:

"I believe that state-sanctioned violence causes more harm, and is therefore more dangerous, than non state-sanctioned violence. I believe this is true both because the approval of those in authority and often the general public gives a veneer of acceptability to actions we would otherwise condemn, but also because states have the capacity to spend huge resources equipping and funding people to use force in defense of their interests. The US spends as much on our military as all other countries combined. We have the highest police homicide rates in the developed world and we incarcerate 25% of the world's prisoners. We should not ignore these facts, or wrongly assume that those who believe that this situation is fundamentally unjust and should not continue are harboring a hatred for police and soldiers. I certainly find a great many of the actions taken by militaries and police forces here in the US and around the world extremely troubling, and I also respect the humanity of those who do not share this disagreement."

Asked about Johnson's comments, Durham Police Chief C.J. Davis issued this statement:

The City of Durham is fortunate to have faithful, dedicated police officers who are committed to serving residents. Our organization remains focused on addressing crime concerns and quality of life issues, including fostering a positive working relationship with the community, while continually enhancing the department.

The Durham Police Department, in conjunction with city leadership, recognizes the sacrifices our officers make daily and thank them for their service.