MLK home: Onlookers thwart attempt to ignite Dr. King's childhood home
Vigilant spectators deterred a woman attempting to ignite the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr in Atlanta, Georgia, according to the police.
Authorities stated that the swift response "preserved a significant piece of American heritage".
The defendant is being held on allegations of trying to commit arson and meddling with public property, following accusations of dousing a dwelling with gasoline.
The double-decked residence where Dr King lived his initial 12 years is recognized as a national monument.
The inside of the property was taken over by the National Park Service in 2018. It has been unavailable to visitors since the previous month due to maintenance and refurbishment work.
Police arrived at the scene of ongoing vandalism in the Auburn Avenue Historic District of the city around 17:45 local time (22:45 GMT) on Thursday, according to a press statement from the Atlanta police.
The individual they singled out as the suspect on Friday was 26-year-old Laneisha Shantrice Henderson.
The father and three siblings of Ms. Henderson, who came to the scene after the incident, portrayed her as a troubled veteran. This information was shared with the New York Times by one of the intervening onlookers.
Police stated on Thursday evening that the suspect would undergo a psychological assessment prior to being moved to the local detention centre.
A clip provided to the regional WSB-TV news station presents a lady cloaked in all black, splashing the entrance and front glass panes of a house.
When the police got there, two filmmakers from Utah who were visiting and two New York off-duty cops, who were also guests at the house, had already apprehended the suspect. This was confirmed by Atlanta's Police Chief, Darin Schierbaum, during a press conference.
Zach Kempf, one of the movie creators, disclosed to the New York Times that he initially assumed the woman was tending to the bushes in front of the home. However, she quickly ascended the stairs and yanked at the main screen door.
He reported that she remained silent when questioned about her actions. She was seen emptying a large five-gallon vessel, threw it into the shrubs, and picked up a lighter she had previously left on the ground.
Mr. Kempf, aged 43, mentioned that the lady exhibited an anxious vibe but didn't demonstrate any hostility. She left the scene when he obstructed her way with his body.
He revealed that he dialed 911 and yelled for assistance to a pair of New York cops, who pursued the criminal and held her captive until the nearby law enforcement showed up.
Fire authorities in the area confirmed that the house was not damaged and a team specializing in dangerous substances was taking care of the cleanup.
"The presence and intervention of the witnesses prevented a potential disaster. Without their interruption, the house could have caught fire within seconds," stated Fire Chief Jerry DeBerry.
Essentially, it came down to the witnesses being at the exact location at the precise moment.
The King Center acknowledged in an announcement that the attempt to start a fire did not succeed due to the courageous actions of helpful bystanders and the swift reaction of the police.
"We are sending our thoughts to the person who is reportedly responsible for this crime," it further stated.
This footage cannot be viewed.
You must activate JavaScript in your browser to view this video.
Observe: Thousands commemorate the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s renowned 'I have a dream' speech.
Associated Subjects
Further details on this narrative
Ten obscure details about Martin Luther King
Headlines
Cameron finds BBC's investigation on Gaza medical situation 'troubling'
Healthcare professionals in Gaza informed the BBC that they were subjected to physical abuse and degradation by
The Prime Minister of Haiti steps down as the nation's legal and societal structure falls apart.
Characteristics
The ascent and descent of Ariel Henry in Haiti
Medical professionals in Gaza informed BBC that Israeli soldiers subjected them to physical abuse and degradation.
The Ukrainian marine drones targeting Russian navy vessels
A young student narrates his brave getaway from a Nigerian abduction group
The reporter entangled in Kashmir's 'cycle' of detentions
What happens when wind turbine blades age?
See for yourself: Am I… Slash?! Ryan Gosling is exuding Kenergy. VideoSee for yourself: Am I… Slash?! Ryan Gosling is exuding Kenergy.
Seven highlights from the Academy Awards
At the frontier of Russia's Arctic, new recruits of Nato are gearing up for warfare.
In another section of the BBC, it is reported that alcohol impacts our brains more than we are
The harsh historical events in Japan that influenced Shōgun
The latest croissant that's captivating Paris
Popular Articles
Services from BBC News
© 2024 BBC. The BBC does not hold accountability for the material found on outside websites. Find out more about our policy towards linking to external sites.
