• A woman attempted to set fire to the birth home of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Atlanta, but was stopped by bystanders and arrested by police.

• The 26-year-old woman poured gasoline on the property and was about to light it when she was stopped by a visitor from Utah and two off-duty officers from New York.

• The woman was charged with attempted arson and interference with government property by the Atlanta Police Department.

• The Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief stated that the intervention of the bystanders likely saved the historic home from being completely destroyed by fire.

• The King Center, a nonprofit founded by King’s wife, released a statement thanking the good Samaritans and law enforcement for their quick response.

References:

[1] Officials credit good Samaritans with helping stop attempted arson at Martin Luther King’s birth home in Atlanta. Link

[2] Good Samaritans from Utah help save Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home from being burned. Link

[3] National Park Service evaluating security measures following arson attempt at MLK home. Link

[4] VIDEO: Good Samaritans stop woman from reportedly trying to burn MLK’s birth home, police say. Link