Atlanta police arrested a woman after she allegedly doused the home of Martin Luther King Jr. with gasoline in what officials called a failed arson.
Law enforcement authorities said that they were alerted and called to King's birth home on Auburn Ave. near the King Center shortly after 5:45 p.m. Officers who arrived at the scene discovered two off-duty officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) who were visiting the center.
Attempted Arson on Martin Luther King Jr.'s Home
The two officers had detained a suspect until their Atlanta counterpart could arrive. Authorities said that two tourists from Utah who were in the area saw the suspect pouring gasoline on the home and quickly moved to interrupt her.
In a statement, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said that that particular action of the civilians saved an important part of American history. Video footage taken by a witness showed a woman dressed in all black pouring the liquid on the windows and in the bushes of the late King's home, as per WSBTV.
Law enforcement officials said that they have made the arrest of a 26-year-old female and have charged her with criminal attempt arson and criminal attempt interference with government property.
Atlanta Fire Department Chief Jerry DeBerry said that if the witnesses did not stop the woman, the home would have been burned in mere moments. He added that it may have only been a matter of moments for the house to be engulfed in flames if the suspect was allowed to continue with her plans.
Officials also noted that they were working with several district attorneys' officers as well as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the case.
The Late Civil Rights Activist
The fire department's HAZMAT team will be responsible for cleaning up the gasoline spill that the suspect poured around and on the house. Officials have not yet revealed the identity of the 26-year-old woman as police are speaking to her family to determine her mental health condition, according to Fox5 Atlanta.
The home is located a few blocks from the King Center, the King National Historical Park, and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. It has been undergoing renovations for the past couple of weeks.
King's home was built in 1895 and has a framed two-story Queen-Anne-style structure. It is known for playing a pivotal role in commemorating the early life of the civil rights icon and his siblings.
While there have been many renovations done on the home over the years, the latest project was meant to address major structural and system improvements. These include electrical, HVAC, and fire suppression as well as structural various enhancements.
The incident comes as the annual celebration of King is expected to be held on Jan. 11, 2024. The theme for next year's event is "Passing the torch and continuing the journey" and comes with the guiding quote "The task is not done. The journey is not complete. We can and we must do more," said KC Employees.
