Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, a 26-year-old former Navy sailor, was apprehended on Thursday, December 7, for an alleged attempt to set fire to the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr as seen in a viral video
Identified through a video, Henderson was seen pouring gasoline on the historic home on Auburn Avenue before being stopped by tourists from Utah.
Who is Laneisha Shantrice Henderson who tried to set Martin Luther King Jr childhood home on fire in viral video on Twitter
26-year-old Laneisha Shantrice Henderson arrested and charged with attempting to burn down Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home in Atlanta. WATCHpic.twitter.com/6D8qlmE8JY
— Simon Ateba (@simonateba) December 8, 2023
JUST IN: A woman has been charged after trying to burn down Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home in Atlanta.
26-year-old Laneisha Shantrice Henderson was arrested and charged.
Thankfully, two tourists from Utah noticed Henderson trying to burn down the home and jumped into… pic.twitter.com/cSlrNfaknO
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 8, 2023
The incident unfolded as the two visitors, initially unaware of her intentions, observed Henderson pouring liquid on the bushes outside the historical residence.
Upon realizing the nefarious act, the tourists pleaded with Henderson to cease her actions. However, she seemingly accelerated her efforts, pouring gasoline more rapidly around the historic house.
Bystanders intervened and detained Henderson until law enforcement arrived at the scene. Witnesses reported that Henderson attempted to ignite a lighter while being restrained.
Charges
Henderson faces charges of second-degree arson and interfering with government property in connection with the incident at Martin Luther King Jr.’s childhood home.
Publicly available information from a Facebook account believed to belong to Henderson indicated that she was a 26-year-old Atlanta native residing in Tallahassee, Florida.
Who is Laneisha Shantrice Henderson?
She graduated from Eufaula High School before enlisting in the Navy. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Henderson served in the U.S. Navy for four years, earning commendations for good conduct and other achievements.
Henderson’s father, speaking to media disclosed that his daughter was undergoing a mental health episode, and they had been searching for her for two days before her arrest for the attempted arson.
Henderson’s final Facebook post on December 7 featured various slides, including an image of the judgment tarot card with Donald Trump atop the world. Following the incident, the Martin Luther King Jr. Center expressed gratitude to those who intervened, preventing damage to the historic property.
Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum acknowledged the courageous actions of bystanders and law enforcement, emphasizing the preservation of an essential part of American history.
Authorities reported that Henderson underwent a mental health evaluation at a hospital before being booked.