Saving Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Birth Home from Arson

Good Samaritans Prevented Arson Attack

Thanks to the quick thinking and intervention of several individuals, a woman’s attempt to set fire to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home in Atlanta was thwarted. Police responded to a vandalism report at the historic home, where they discovered that multiple people had stopped the 26-year-old woman after she poured gasoline on the property.

A Potential Tragedy Averted

Zach Kempf, a visitor from Utah, bravely stepped in to block the woman when she picked up a lighter. Two off-duty officers from New York also came to the rescue and helped restrain the woman until the police arrived. Their swift actions likely saved the home from being completely engulfed in flames.

Apprehension and Charges

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

A Grateful Fire Department

According to Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry, the bystander intervention was crucial in preventing a potential disaster. He stated that it could have only been a matter of seconds before the house was completely consumed by flames.

No Permanent Damage, but Lingering Odor

The National Park Service confirmed that there was no permanent damage to the home. However, there is still a strong gasoline odor that needs to be aired out. Crews are diligently working to ensure that there are no sparks near the property.

A National Treasure

The King Center, a nonprofit organization founded by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s wife, expressed their gratitude for the bystanders and law enforcement involved in preventing the arson attempt. They released a statement acknowledging the unsuccessful attempt and offering prayers for the individual who allegedly committed the crime.

A Historic Landmark

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birth home is a significant historical site that attracts many visitors. The National Park Service provides tours of the home, where King lived for the first 12 years of his life. Unfortunately, these tours have been suspended until November 2025 due to ongoing rehabilitation work.

A House with a Rich History

The King family moved into the home in 1926 after Dr. King’s parents got married. Following Dr. King’s assassination in 1968, restoration work was carried out to transform the house into a historic museum, preserving the memory of one of the most influential figures in American history.

Read More of this Story at www.cnn.com – 2023-12-08 14:42:00

Officials credit kind strangers for preventing attempted arson at historic site where Martin Luther King was born in Atlanta