Monrovia – Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman has assured the public that the crime scene of the arson attack at the Capitol Building remains untouched and is fully preserved for the arrival of foreign fire experts who will assist in the investigation.
On February 27, 2027, G. Warsuwah Barvoul, Director of the Liberia National Fire Service, announced that three fire experts from the United States would be arriving to help investigate the devastating fire that gutted the joint chambers and dome of the Capitol Building in late December 2023.
By J.H. Webster Clayeh (0886729972) – [email protected]
The experts, former fire chiefs Kenneth Prillaman, Mark Lynde, and Jerry Streich from Minnesota, collectively bring over 90 years of experience in fire safety, investigation, and emergency management.
Speaking to the press on Saturday at the Liberia National Police Headquarters, Inspector General Coleman confirmed that the Liberian government had formally invited the fire experts.
He explained that the request for their assistance was made last year but was delayed due to the leadership transition in the U.S.
“When this incident occurred, we initiated all necessary mutual legal arrangements. However, the U.S. underwent a leadership transition, and the process had to restart,” IG Coleman said.
He reassured the public that the crime scene remains intact.
“This is the earliest we could get these experts here. One thing you should be aware of is that the crime scene has been preserved—there has been no tampering,” he emphasized.
The Inspector General also clarified that the foreign fire experts are not conducting a separate investigation but are supporting the ongoing probe by the Liberian authorities.
“These experts are here to work with us on our ongoing investigation. They are not launching a separate probe but rather filling in gaps to strengthen our findings,” he stated.
He added, “Whatever investigation we have already conducted, the scene remains set for them to examine and assist us in moving forward.”
Despite the ongoing investigation, IG Coleman asserted that the police have gathered sufficient evidence to bring charges against individuals allegedly involved in the arson attack.
“The police have enough grounds to lay charges, which is why we have proceeded accordingly,” he said.
He further noted that once the foreign fire experts complete their investigation, the joint security forces will hold a press briefing to provide further details to the public.
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