Atlanta woman arrested after attempted arson of Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home

A woman was arrested on Thursday after dousing Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home in Atlanta, Georgia, with gasoline during an attempt to set the home on fire.

The 26-year-old woman, whose name has not been released, is charged with criminal attempt to commit arson and criminal attempt to damage government property. She could also face federal charges in connection with the incident.

Atlanta police officers responded to Martin Luther King Jr.'s birth home shortly after 5:45 p.m. on Thursday following reports of vandalism. Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum told reporters that two tourists from Utah told officers they observed the woman dousing plants, the porch and the front door of the home with what smelled like gasoline before they intervened upon seeing her attempting to ignite a lighter.