By Precious D. Freeman
A team of fire experts from the United States has joined the ongoing investigation into the suspected arson attack on the Capitol Building.
The team is working alongside the Liberia National Police (LNP) to assess the extent of the damage and assist in determining the cause of the devastating fire.
Inspector General Gregory Coleman clarified that the U.S. experts are supporting the ongoing probe rather than conducting an independent inquiry.
The team visited the Capitol Building on Saturday, March 1, to begin their assessment.
He added that a joint press conference will be held upon the completion of their findings.
Meanwhile, the Monrovia City Court has ruled that the prosecution has presented sufficient evidence for a trial against two primary suspects, Thomas Isaac Etheridge and Eric Sasay. The case will proceed in court.
Etheridge, 39, an employee in the office of embattled Speaker Fonati Koffa, faces multiple charges, including Arson, Release of Destructive Forces, Reckless Burning & Exploding, Criminal Mischief, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Facilitation, Criminal Conspiracy, and Criminal Solicitation.
His alleged accomplice, Sasay, has been charged with Arson, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Conspiracy, Criminal Solicitation, Criminal Intent to Commit Murder, Aggravated Assault, Illegal Possession of a Firearm, Release of Destructive Forces, Recklessly Endangering Another Person, and Theft of Property.
According to a writ of arrest issued by the court, the Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Justice, accuses the defendants of orchestrating the fire at the Capitol Building in the early hours of December 18, 2024.
Investigators allege that Etheridge, Sasay, and others conspired to carry out an arson attack following protests and riots at the Capitol Building.
The charge sheet states that the suspects purchased gasoline on the evening of December 17, 2024, to be used in the attack.
The Ministry of Justice claims that during the incident, the suspects assaulted a police officer, rendering him unconscious, and seized his firearm for their personal use.
The total damage from the fire is estimated at US$1.8 million.
The prosecution argues that the defendants’ actions were unlawful, deliberate, and in violation of Liberia’s Penal Code, citing multiple sections of the law.
With the U.S. fire experts assisting the investigation and the court ruling allowing the case to proceed, authorities are moving closer to determining the full scope of responsibility for the destructive blaze.
