Woman Tries To Burn Down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home, Taken Into Custody

Authorities in Atlanta are investigating after a woman tried to burn down Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home.

Police were called to the home on Auburn Ave., close to the King Center, at about 5:45 p.m.

They then discovered two off-duty NYPD officers who had been touring the center and had to hold the suspect until they could get to the scene.

Authorities say that 26-year-old Laneisha Henderson was apprehended and charged with criminal attempt arson and criminal attempt interference with government property.

They added that two other tourists from Utah observed Henderson pouring gasoline on the residence and stopped her.

A recording from a bystander shows a woman in all black attire pouring gasoline on the windows and in the bushes of the home.

Although the fire department wasn’t called out to the location, the home could have burned to the ground quickly, police say.

Since King’s home is federal property, Henderson could face federal charges.

As of now, police are continuing to investigate, working with multiple district attorneys’ offices, the ATF, and the FBI.