Current:Home > MarketsWoman tries to set fire to Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home, Atlanta police say-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Woman tries to set fire to Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home, Atlanta police say
View Date:2024-12-24 10:31:54
Authorities said a 26-year-old woman has been arrested on allegations she attempted to set fire Thursday night to the Atlanta birth home of civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
According to a statement from Atlanta police, at about 5:45 p.m., the suspect poured gasoline on the property, located at 501 Auburn Ave., but was stopped by multiple witnesses from proceeding any further.
Responding officers detained the woman at the scene, police said. She is being held on suspicion of criminal attempted arson and second-degree interference with government property.
Her name was not released. No further details on the incident were immediately provided.
In a statement issued by Martin Luther King III on Friday, the family said they were "distressed" to hear 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 home was acquired for preservation by the National Park Service from the King family in 2018, and had been open for public tours through last month, when it was closed for an "extensive renovation project" that is not expected to be completed until November of 2025.
In a statement Tuesday night, the King Center wrote that "an individual attempted to set fire to this historic property. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement."
- In:
- Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Atlanta
Faris Tanyos is a news editor for CBSNews.com, where he writes and edits stories and tracks breaking news. He previously worked as a digital news producer at several local news stations up and down the West Coast.
veryGood! (4)
Related
- New Orleans marks with parade the 64th anniversary of 4 little girls integrating city schools
- Attorney General Garland says in interview he’d resign if Biden asked him to take action on Trump
- The Dolphins are the NFL's hottest team. The Bills might actually have an answer for them.
- Brain cells, interrupted: How some genes may cause autism, epilepsy and schizophrenia
- Mike Tyson is expected to honor late daughter during Jake Paul fight. Here's how.
- Serbia’s president denies troop buildup near Kosovo, alleges ‘campaign of lies’ in wake of clashes
- College football Week 5 grades: Bloviating nonsense has made its way to 'College GameDay'
- Fueled by hat controversy Europe win Ryder Cup to extend USA's overseas losing streak
- Here's what 3 toys were inducted into the National Toy Hall of Fame this year
- McCaffrey scores 4 TDs to lead the 49ers past the Cardinals 35-16
Ranking
- Satellite images and documents indicate China working on nuclear propulsion for new aircraft carrier
- UN to vote on resolution to authorize one-year deployment of armed force to help Haiti fight gangs
- Horoscopes Today, September 30, 2023
- David Beckham reflects on highs and lows in ‘Beckham’ doc, calls it an ‘emotional rollercoaster’
- Pitchfork Music Festival to find new home after ending 19-year run in Chicago
- 'Love is Blind' Season 5 star Taylor confesses JP's comments about her makeup were 'hurtful'
- 1 mountain climber's unique mission: to scale every county peak in Florida
- Why former Northwestern coach Pat Fitzgerald was at the Iowa-Michigan State game
Recommendation
-
It's cozy gaming season! Video game updates you may have missed, including Stardew Valley
-
Hurts throws for 319 yards, Elliott’s 54-yarder lifts 4-0 Eagles past Commanders 34-31 in OT
-
Decades-long search for Florida mom's killer ends with arrest of son's childhood football coach
-
Stock market today: Asian shares mixed as Japan business confidence rises and US shutdown is averted
-
Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas says he was detained in airport over being ‘disoriented’
-
As if You Can Resist These 21 Nasty Gal Fall Faves Under $50
-
It's not just FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried. His parents also face legal trouble
-
Afghan Embassy closes in India citing a lack of diplomatic support and personnel