A pair of off-duty New York City police officers helped to stop a would-be arsonist from setting fire to the Atlanta birth home of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
According to combined media reports, a woman poured gasoline over the house’s front porch and bushes, but was stopped and detained by the two officers who were visiting the site. Atlanta police identified the suspect of Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, who was charged with second-degree arson and interfering with government property. Because the site is a federal landmark, she may also face federal charges.
“That action saved an important part of American history tonight,” said Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum during a press conference announcing Henderson’s arrest.
The two-story house was built in 1895 and was King’s home for the first 12 years of his life. The interior of the house has been closed to the public since last month for repairs and renovations, and it is scheduled to be reopened in 2025.
;
