MLK home: Onlookers thwart bid to torch Dr King's childhood residence
Vigilant onlookers intervened when a woman tried to ignite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthplace in Atlanta, Georgia, according to police.
Authorities stated that the swift response "preserved a significant segment of American heritage".
The suspect has been detained on accusations of attempted arson and meddling with government property, following his alleged act of dousing a dwelling with gasoline.
The double-decked residence where Dr. King lived the initial 12 years of his life is recognized as a national monument.
The National Park Service took over the inside of the property in 2018 and it has been shut off from public access since the previous month for maintenance and refurbishment.
The police arrived at the scene of ongoing property destruction in Auburn Avenue Historic District in the city around 5:45 PM local time (10:45 PM GMT) on Thursday, as stated in a press release by the Atlanta police.
The individual recognized as the suspect on Friday was confirmed to be 26-year-old Laneisha Shantrice Henderson
The father and three siblings of Ms. Henderson, who reached the location after the incident, portrayed her as a troubled veteran, according to a bystander who spoke to the New York Times.
Police stated on Thursday evening that the suspect would undergo a psychological assessment prior to being moved to the nearby detention center.
A clip provided to the local WSB-TV news station reveals a woman clad in black soaking the front porch and windows of a house.
When the police got there, the suspect had already been apprehended by a pair of filmmakers from Utah who were visiting, as well as two off-duty New York cops who were also guests at the residence, according to Atlanta's Police Chief Darin Schierbaum while speaking to the media.
Zach Kempf, one of the movie creators, conveyed to the New York Times that his first impression was that the lady was just hydrating the bushes outside the home. But then, she quickly ascended the steps and tugged at the front screen door.
He said she remained silent when questioned about her actions. She was seen pouring out a five-gallon bucket's contents, flinging it into some shrubbery, and then picking up a lighter she had previously placed on the lawn.
Mr. Kempf, aged 43, noted that the lady exhibited an anxious vibe, although she wasn't confrontational. She left when he obstructed her way physically.
He claimed that he dialed 911 and yelled for assistance to a couple of New York policemen. They pursued the alleged culprit and held her until the city's law enforcement showed up.
The home wasn't damaged, according to the local fire department, and a team dealing with dangerous substances was tidying up the site.
"Fire chief Jerry DeBerry stated that if the observers hadn't been present to halt her actions, it might have only taken a few seconds for the house to be completely consumed by fire."
The situation primarily hinged on the timing and the presence of the witnesses at the precise moment and location.
The King Center issued a statement verifying that the attempt to set it on fire had failed, crediting this to the courageous actions of kind-hearted strangers and the swift reaction of the police.
"We extend our thoughts and prayers to the person accused of this unlawful deed," it continued.
This footage cannot be viewed.
In order to view this footage, you must activate JavaScript on your web browser. Witness the gathering of thousands commemorating the 60th anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr's renowned 'I have a dream' address.
Additional Subjects
Further details on this topic
Ten obscure details about Martin Luther King
Headlines
Cameron finds BBC's investigation on Gaza medical personnel 'troubling'
Medical professionals in Gaza report to BBC that they were assaulted and degraded by Israeli soldiers.
The Prime Minister of Haiti steps down as the country's legal and security system crumbles.
Characteristics
The ascent and descent of Ariel Henry in Haiti
Medical professionals in Gaza informed BBC that they were assaulted and degraded by Israeli soldiers.
The Ukrainian marine drones targeting Russian naval 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?
Check this out: Is that… Slash?! Ryan Gosling is exuding Kenergy in this video.
Seven highlights from the Academy Awards
At Russia's Arctic frontier, new recruits of NATO are preparing for combat.
In another section of the BBC, it's noted that alcohol has a greater impact on our brains
The savage history of Japan that influenced Shōgun
The latest croissant craze sweeping through Paris
Top Viewed
Services of BBC News
© 2024 BBC. The BBC does not hold accountability for the material on outside websites. Learn about our method towards linking to external sites.
