Woman arrested after trying to pour gasoline on Martin Luther King's birth home, police say

A woman has been arrested in Atlanta after authorities say she was caught attempting to pour gasoline on the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr.

The incident happened around 5:45 p.m. Thursday, according to Atlanta police, who said in a release they responded to a report of vandalism in progress at King's birth home, near the King Center. Police say a 26-year-old female suspect was detained after she had been stopped by multiple citizens.

Channel 2 in Atlanta reported that the woman was initially detained by two off-duty NYPD officers visiting the center until local police could arrive. Police told Channel 2 she was spotted by two tourists from Utah pouring gasoline on the home, who interrupted her.

The woman, whose name has not been publicly released, was arrested and charged with second degree criminal attempt arson and interference with government property.

The investigation is ongoing, police said in a release.

In a statement posted on social media, the King Center said the attempt to burn down King's birth home was unsuccessful, thanks to the "brave intervention of good Samaritans and the quick response of law enforcement."

"Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act," the King Center added.