Woman arrested for pouring gasoline, trying to burn Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace. – WSB-TV Channel 2

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ATLANTA – Atlanta police are investigating after a woman tried to set fire to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthplace.

The police said Channel 2 News they were called to King’s home on Auburn Ave. near the King Center just after 5:45 pm

When they arrived, they found two NYPD officers visiting the center holding a suspect until they arrived.

The police said that two tourists from Utah were there when they saw the woman pouring gasoline on the house and causing trouble.

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“That action saved an important piece of American history tonight,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said.

Video from a testimony shared by Track 2’s Michael Doudna it shows a woman dressed in black pouring gasoline on the windows and grass of the house.

According to the police, they have arrested a 26-year-old woman and accused her of consuming arson and trying to interfere with government property.

Atlanta Fire Chief Jerry DeBerry said if witnesses hadn’t intervened, the house would have burned in minutes.

“It was probably a matter of seconds before the house was engulfed in flames,” DeBerry said.

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They said they are cooperating with several district attorneys’ offices, the ATF and the FBI.

Because King’s home is federal property, he may face federal charges.

The King Center released the following statement:

“Tonight, something unfortunate happened at the birth house of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. when someone tried to burn this historic land. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, due to the heroic intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement. We are grateful to 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 beloved national landmark and its neighbors. Our prayers are with the person who allegedly committed this crime.”

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