Woman attempted to burn down Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home

Atlanta police say they arrested Laneisha Shantrice Henderson on Thursday night after she attempted to set fire to the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. Responding to a call around 5:45 p.m., officers arrived at the historic home located at 501 Auburn Avenue, where citizens had intervened to stop the woman. Police said Henderson, 26, has been charged with criminal attempt arson and criminal attempt interference with government property. 

According to police, the actions of these citizens saved a crucial part of American history.

The woman, dressed in all black, had poured gasoline onto the property, including the front porch and bushes, as captured in a video taken by a bystander and shared with media outlets. The home is part of the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park and has been undergoing major renovations, scheduled to last at least two years.

Charged with criminal attempt to commit arson in the second degree and interference with government property, the woman was swiftly taken into custody.

The King Center released a statement on the incident saying:

“Tonight, an unfortunate incident occurred at the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an individual attempted to set fire to this historic property,” the center said. “Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement. “We thank the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Department, the National Parks Service, and Mayor Andre Dickens for leading the efforts to ensure the safety of our cherished national landmark and its adjacent neighbors. Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act.”