*Georgia native Laneisha Shantrice Henderson was charged with second-degree arson after attempting to burn down the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr. last week. 

According to Sportskeeda, the 26-year-old lived in Tallahassee, Florida, and enlisted in the Navy after graduating from Eufaula High School.

Henderson served four years in the U.S. Navy and reportedly earned medals for good conduct.  When she tried to burn down the historic MLK structure, her father said she was experiencing mental health issues. Fortunately, Henderson was stopped by two off-duty NYPD officers who had been visiting the center. They detained her until Atlanta police arrived.

Henderson was arrested and charged with criminal attempt arson and criminal attempt interference with government property.

The video above shows her pouring gasoline on the house’s porch and bushes and being detained by police.

“Tonight, an unfortunate incident occurred at the birth home of Dr.Martin Luther King, Jr. as an individual attempted to set fire to the historic property,” the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center said in a statement. “Fortunately, the attempt was unsuccessful, thanks to the brave good samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement.”

According to Sportskeeda, Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said the swift action of law enforcement “saved an important part of American history tonight.”

EUR reported previously that the home, built in 1895, is located along Auburn Avenue blocks from the King Center, King National Historical Park, and the historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. The property has been undergoing renovations and will be closed until 2025.

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

READ MORE: Woman Who Tried to Burn Down King Birth Home ID’d: Laneisha Shantrice Henderson | VIDEO

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