In a shocking incident at the birth home of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., a decorated military veteran was arrested for attempting to set the historic property on fire. Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, a 26-year-old veteran surface warfare specialist of the U.S. Navy, was charged with attempted arson and interfering with government property after she was caught on camera pouring a flammable liquid onto the porch and windows of the house. The incident took place at around 5:45 p.m. on Thursday and was captured on video by Zachary Eugene Kempf, a tourist who happened to be visiting the house.

Kempf, who was in Atlanta for work reasons, noticed Henderson pouring gasoline around the house and immediately began recording the footage. He then stepped in to stop Henderson from carrying out her dangerous act, blocking her attempts to go back up the porch. Kempf described Henderson as appearing "irritated and on edge" but not violent or aggressive towards him. Realizing the seriousness of the situation, Kempf called 911 for help and also yelled for assistance from two men down the street.

Coincidentally, the two men turned out to be off-duty NYPD officers who were visiting the landmark. They immediately apprehended Henderson until Atlanta police officers arrived at the scene to make the arrest. Henderson's family also arrived at the scene, stating that they had been looking for her and describing her as a veteran experiencing mental distress. According to witnesses, Henderson did not respond to any questions about her motives.

Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry expressed gratitude for the timely intervention of witnesses, acknowledging that if the gasoline had ignited, it could have engulfed the house in flames within seconds. The house, which is currently undergoing renovation, is closed to visitors until 2025. The birth home, built in 1895, is a significant historical site for commemorating the early life of Martin Luther King Jr. and his siblings.

The suspect, who reportedly suffers from mental health issues, was transported to Grady Detention Center for evaluation before being transferred to Fulton County Jail. It remains unclear why she intended to burn down the historic property. She may also face federal charges related to the incident.

The incident drew attention and praise for the actions of Kempf and the off-duty NYPD officers, who were able to prevent a potentially catastrophic event. The King Center, a nonprofit founded by King's wife, expressed gratitude for the bystander and police efforts, stating that their intervention had saved the home from destruction. The center's statement also offered prayers for the individual involved in the incident.

As investigations continue, the Atlanta community remains grateful that the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr. was spared from harm and that the swift actions of courageous individuals prevented a tragic loss of history and heritage.