A 26-year-old woman, Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, was apprehended on Thursday for allegedly attempting to set fire to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home, according to Atlanta police. Two tourists from Utah intervened, observing Henderson pouring gasoline on the property.
Henderson is facing charges of second-degree arson and interfering with government property. Following her arrest, she was taken to Grady Detention for a psychological evaluation and will be transferred to Fulton County Jail upon discharge, as per police statements.
The tourists, on a work trip from Utah, were seeking to visit the historical landmark, which is presently closed to the public. Initially dismissing Henderson’s actions as tending to the plants, they became suspicious when they noticed the gasoline container she was carrying, according to an incident report.
Upon realizing Henderson’s intentions, the tourists attempted to dissuade her, but she ignored them and accelerated her efforts to pour gasoline around the historical house, the incident report detailed. One witness recounted blocking Henderson’s path for about a minute, preventing her from advancing up the stairs.
Bystanders assisted in detaining Henderson until law enforcement arrived. During the confrontation, witnesses claimed she attempted to ignite the lighter she held, as stated in the incident report.
Police Chief Darin Schierbaum commended the quick response, noting that the prompt action “saved the jewel of our city.” The Martin Luther King, Jr. Center expressed gratitude for the brave intervention, acknowledging the unfortunate incident in a post on social media.
“Tonight, an unfortunate incident occurred at the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an individual attempted to set fire to the historic property. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement,” the center stated.
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The FBI is aware of the incident but refrained from providing further comments. The birth home, acquired by the National Park Service in 2018, is presently closed for extensive renovations until November 2025.