The Liberia National Police has formally charged two individuals, Thomas Isaac Etheridge and Eric Susay, in connection with the fire that ravaged the Capitol Building on December 18, 2024. Etheridge, an employee in the office of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa, faces a multitude of charges, including arson, release of destructive forces, reckless burning and exploding, criminal mischief, recklessly endangering another person, facilitation, criminal conspiracy, and criminal solicitation. His alleged accomplice, Susay, is charged with arson, criminal mischief, criminal conspiracy, criminal solicitation, criminal intent to commit murder, aggravated assaults, illegal possession of a firearm, release of destructive force, recklessly endangering another person, and theft of property. The charges represent a significant step in the ongoing investigation into the fire, which caused an estimated US$1.8 million in damages.
The government’s case, as outlined in the writ of arrest, alleges that Etheridge, Susay, and other yet-to-be-identified individuals orchestrated the fire. The writ further alleges premeditation, citing telephone conversations and actions taken by the defendants. Specifically, the prosecution claims that the suspects procured gasoline on the evening of December 17, 2024, intending to use it in an arson attack following a planned protest and riot at the Capitol Building. The incident also allegedly involved the assault of a police officer, who was rendered unconscious and had his firearm stolen, allegedly by the defendants.
The police charge sheet paints a picture of calculated destruction, characterizing the defendants’ alleged actions as unlawful, wicked, illegal, and intentional. These actions, according to the prosecution, violate several sections of Liberia’s New Penal Law. The specific sections cited include 15.5 (Arson), 14.20 (Release of Destructive Forces), 10.3 (Reckless Burning & Exploding), 10.4 (Criminal Mischief), 10.1 (Recklessly Endangering Another Person), and 15.1 (Criminal Conspiracy and Solicitation). The charges suggest a multi-faceted criminal plot that extended beyond the fire itself to include assault, theft, and the endangerment of others.
Beyond Etheridge and Susay, the investigation has implicated several other individuals who are currently at large. Arrest warrants have been issued for Grace Johnson, Chief of Protocol in Representative Koffa’s office; Amos Koffa, Supervisor of the Maintenance Department; Stephen Broh, a Capitol Building employee; and John Nyanti, a Correctional Officer. These individuals, charged in absentia, are now considered fugitives from justice. Their alleged involvement adds another layer of complexity to the case, suggesting a potentially wider conspiracy and raising questions about the extent of the planned attack.
The timing of these charges coincides with ongoing scrutiny surrounding the chairs currently used by Majority Leader Richard Koon and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah. While the connection between these seemingly disparate issues remains unclear, the concurrent focus on both the fire investigation and the furniture raises questions about the overall political climate and potential internal conflicts within the government. The ongoing investigation will likely seek to uncover any potential links between these issues and determine whether the fire was an isolated incident or part of a larger scheme.
The Capitol Building fire represents a significant blow to Liberia’s government and its symbolic center of power. The subsequent investigation and arrests underscore the seriousness of the incident and the government’s commitment to holding those responsible accountable. The prosecution’s case, as presented in the writ and charge sheet, details a complex web of alleged criminal activity, including arson, assault, theft, and conspiracy. As the case progresses through the court system, further details are expected to emerge, shedding more light on the events of December 18, 2024, and the motivations of those involved. The outcome of this case will have significant implications, not only for the individuals charged but also for the political landscape of Liberia and the public’s trust in its government.
