The woman tried to burn down the house where Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta, police said

Authorities say a 26-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of arson Thursday night at Atlanta birth center the symbol of civil rights Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

According to a statement from the Atlanta Police Department, at approximately 5:45 p.m., the suspect poured gasoline on the property. located at 501 Auburn Ave., but several witnesses prevented him from moving forward.

Responding officers arrested the woman at the scene, police said. He is still being held on the charge of trying to set fire to the house, as well as interfering with government property.

His name has not been released. Further information on the accident was not immediately available.

The building was found for preservation by the National Park Service from the royal family in 2018, and was open for public viewing until last month, when it was closed for a “major renovation project” that is not expected to be completed until November of 2025.

In a statement on Tuesday night, the King Center written that “someone tried to burn down this historic property. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the bravery of the good Samaritan and the quick response of law enforcement.”