Woman arrested for trying to burn down Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home

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A Florida woman is facing multiple charges including attempted arson after allegedly trying to set Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home on fire, according to the Atlanta Police Department.

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

Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, 26, is charged with second-degree attempted arson and interference with government property, the Atlanta Police Department wrote in a press release.

Because the home is a federal landmark, Henderson could also face federal charges.

Police say two tourists from Utah who were in the area saw Henderson pouring gasoline on the home and interrupted her. She was reportedly apprehended by the tourists, including two off-duty New York Police officers who helped detain her, reports The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

According to the press release, on Thursday around 5:45 p.m., Atlanta police officers responded to a report of vandalism in progress at 501 Auburn Avenue. According to a preliminary investigation, they found Henderson had poured gasoline onto the property. She was immediately placed under arrest.

The King Center

Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry says with the fuel down, it could have been just a matter of seconds before the structure caught fire.

The King Center in Atlanta has been temporarily closed for a few weeks as it undergoes renovations.

Representatives of The King Center put out a statement saying, “Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful thanks to the brave intervention of Good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement … Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act”.

Laneisha Shantrice Henderson is lodged at Fulton County Jail.