(Atlanta PD Body Cam Footage) Woman Arrested For Attempting To Torch MLK’s Birth Home

ATLANTA – A woman was arrested for attempting to burn down the birth home of legendary civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Atlanta police were called to the scene on the evening of December 7 after a group of out-of-towners spotted the suspect and held her until local authorities arrived. (Body cam footage of the arrest is below.)

A pair of tourists from Utah who were in the area noticed the suspect, who was dressed in all black, pouring what appeared to be gasoline on the front porch and door of the home and alerted police. According to the local ABC affiliate in Atlanta, two off-duty NYPD officers, also in the area, detained the suspect until APD showed up on the scene – an act that local authorities agreed prevented the situation from becoming much worse.

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

“It could have been a matter of seconds before the house was engulfed in flames,” added Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry.

Atlanta Police have identified the suspect, 26-year-old Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, who was charged with second-degree arson and interfering with government property. She was transported to Grady Detention for evaluation and will be transferred to Fulton County Jail once discharged from Grady Detention. Henderson could also face federal charges related to the incident.

Atlanta PD Body Cam Footage: Arrest In Attempted Arson Of MLK’s Birth Home

The King Center released a statement about the incident online:

“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. Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave intervention of Good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement.

We thank 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 cherished national landmark and its adjacent neighbors. Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act.”

The National Park Service has preserved Dr. King’s home. Normally open to public tours, it is closed for renovations until November 2025.