The December 18, 2024 arson attack on Liberia’s Capitol Building, a pivotal structure symbolizing the nation’s democracy, prompted a complex investigation requiring international collaboration. The attack, which significantly damaged the Joint Chambers and the iconic dome, disrupted legislative activities and sent shockwaves through the country. To ensure a thorough and transparent investigation, the Liberian government requested assistance from the United States, leading to the arrival of a team of American fire experts in March 2025. Their primary objective was to assess the extent of the damage and support the ongoing Liberian investigation, not to conduct a separate, independent inquiry. This collaborative approach underscored the Liberian authorities’ commitment to uncovering the truth behind the devastating incident and bringing the perpetrators to justice.
The U.S. fire investigation team, which included a fire chief, worked closely with their Liberian counterparts in the Liberia National Police (LNP) and the Liberia National Fire and Rescue Service (LNFRS). Their meticulous assessment involved analyzing the fire patterns, the extent of the damage, and any remaining physical evidence at the scene. This information, combined with the evidence gathered by the LNP, aimed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the arson attack, from its initiation to its devastating consequences. The collaboration symbolizes a strong partnership between the two nations in the pursuit of justice and highlights the importance of international cooperation in complex criminal investigations.
The Liberian National Police, spearheading the investigation, had already made significant strides before the arrival of the U.S. team. Several individuals were charged in connection with the attack, with allegations suggesting a conspiracy to destabilize the Liberian government. The investigation unveiled intricate layers of alleged involvement, implicating potentially prominent figures within the political landscape. Representative Dixon Seboe of Montserrado County became a person of interest due to allegations of providing financial support to the suspects prior to the attack. Furthermore, House Speaker Fonati Koffa returned from a medical trip abroad to address his being named a person of interest in the investigation. These high-profile connections added a sensitive political dimension to the already complex criminal case.
The investigation took a significant step forward on February 25, 2025, when the Monrovia City Court ruled that sufficient evidence existed to proceed to trial against two defendants, Thomas Etheridge and Eric Sasay. Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco determined that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, meaning that there was enough evidence to require the defendants to answer to the charges in a higher court. The accusations against Etheridge and Sasay included conspiring to set fire to the Capitol Building, causing over US$8 million in damages, purchasing gasoline to ignite the blaze, disrupting legislative sessions, assaulting a police officer, leaving him unconscious, and stealing his firearm.
The evidence presented by the prosecution painted a disturbing picture of the events surrounding the arson attack. Witness testimonies, coupled with evidence collected from the crime scene and electronic devices linked to the defendants, formed the basis of the prosecution’s case. Magistrate Barco emphasized the weight of this evidence, stating that unless effectively rebutted, it would stand as factual. Following the ruling, the case was transferred to the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “A” at the Temple of Justice, where Etheridge and Sasay would face trial for their alleged roles in the destructive incident.
The arson attack on the Liberian Capitol Building stands as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of democratic institutions and the importance of robust investigative processes. The collaborative efforts between the Liberian and U.S. authorities demonstrated a shared commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability for those responsible. The investigation, involving individuals with potential political influence, highlighted the complexity and sensitivity of the case. As the legal proceedings continued, the Liberian public awaited a just resolution, hoping for a strengthened democracy in the aftermath of the devastating attack. The incident also served as a valuable case study in international cooperation in criminal investigations and the crucial role of forensic expertise in unraveling complex events.
