ATLANTA (WTVC) — A 26-year-old woman faces charges after she was caught on camera dousing the birthplace of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with gasoline Thursday night in Atlanta.
Two off-duty NYPD officers happened to be nearby and detained the woman until Atlanta Police could arrive, according to WSB-TV in Atlanta.
The outlet tweeted a video that appears to show the suspect dousing the home with a large, red gasoline container. Watch below:
Atlanta Police arrested the still-unidentified woman and charged her with criminal attempt arson in the second degree and interference with government property.
The King Center tweeted about the incident Thursday night:
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. 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.
Dr. King’s birthplace at 501 Auburn Avenue in Atlanta is managed by the U.S. National Park Service. The Queen Anne-style house was built in 1895.
In 1909, Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, bought the home for $3,500.
Seventeen years later, Rev. Williams’ daughter Christine married a minister, Michael Luther King, at her father’s church. Instead of moving in with her new husband, Christine and King moved in with her and her parents in the family home.
Less than three years later, Martin Luther King, Jr. was born, the second of three boys. He lived at the home until he was 12 years old.
We’re working to learn more. Depend on us to bring you updates as we get them.
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