Attempted Arson at Atlanta Birth Home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Authorities have reported that a 26-year-old woman was arrested on Thursday night for allegedly attempting to set fire to the Atlanta birth home of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
According to a statement from Atlanta police, the incident occurred at approximately 5:45 p.m. when the suspect poured gasoline on the property located at 501 Auburn Ave. However, multiple witnesses were able to stop her from proceeding any further.
The woman was detained by responding officers at the scene and is now being held on suspicion of criminal attempted arson and second-degree interference with government property. Her name has not been released.
In a statement issued by Martin Luther King III on Friday, the family expressed their distress upon hearing about the attempted arson.
"We appreciate the intervention of several good Samaritans, tourists, and off-duty police officers, whose quick thinking and actions averted a tragic loss of such an important symbol of America's civil rights history," the statement says.
The National Park Service acquired the home for preservation from the King family in 2018. It had been open for public tours until last month when it was closed for an extensive renovation project. The renovation is expected to be completed in November 2025.
According to a statement from the King Center, an individual attempted to set fire to the historic property. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful thanks to the intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement.
