Woman in custody after allegedly trying to burn down birth home of Martin Luther King Jr.

Two off-duty New York City Police Department officers and a pair of tourists from Utah are being lauded for assisting police in the arrest of a black woman after she allegedly tried to burn down the birth home of Martin Luther King Jr.

The residence, which is hailed by Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum as the “jewel of the city,” was almost lit ablaze Thursday around 5:45 p.m., according to a report.

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Authorities responded to the scene after tourists from Utah witnessed a woman pouring liquid that smelled like gasoline on the house’s plants, porch, and front door.

The pair intervened when the woman, identified as 26-year-old Laneisha Shantrice Henderson, attempted to ignite the liquid, according to the report.

Shortly thereafter, the two off-duty NYPD officers managed to detain Henderson until authorities with the Atlanta Police Department arrived.

Had the liquid been ignited, the house would have caught fire within seconds, Atlanta Fire Department Battalion Chief Jerry DeBerry said.

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

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“We thank the Atlanta Police Department, Atlanta Fire Department, the National Park Service, and Mayor Andre Dickens for leading the efforts to ensure the safety of our cherished national landmark and its adjacent neighbors. Our prayers are with the individual who allegedly committed this criminal act.”

Henderson is facing second-degree arson and interfering with government property charges, the report noted.