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ATLANTA, Georgia — Two off-duty police officers from New York City and two tourists reportedly stopped a woman Thursday from an attempt to burn down the birth home of civil rights icon Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.
Police tell WSB Channel 2 that two tourists from Utah spotted the woman pouring gasoline on the front porch of the house. The woman then was seen trying to ignite a lighter, reports say.
The two tourists intervened, 11 Alive reports, and the two off-duty police officers detained her until Atlanta police arrived.
“That action saved an important part of American history tonight,” Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum tells WSB.
Police tell Fox 5 the suspect is 26 years old. She is charged with criminal attempt to commit arson and criminal attempt to damage government property. She also is undergoing a mental evaluation, reports say.
“Tonight, an unfortunate incident occurred at the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as an individual attempted to set fire to this historic property,” The King Center said in a statement on social media. “Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement.”
King’s birth home is owned by the National Park Service. According to the Park Service, it was built in 1895. King was born in the home on Jan. 15, 1929, and lived there until he was 12 years old. The residence was turned into a museum after King’s assassination on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tenn.
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