Liberia Capitol Building Arson: Police Link Former Speaker Fonati Koffa, Lawmakers To Attack

MONROVIA – The Liberia National Police (LNP) has concluded its investigation into the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building, unveiling a sweeping case that implicates current and former government officials, Capitol Building employees, and ordinary citizens in what authorities have described as a deliberate assault on the seat of Liberia’s democracy.

Speaking at a press briefing on Friday, June 7, 2025, Inspector General Gregory Coleman announced that the police had gathered substantial evidence tying several individuals to both the planning and execution of the coordinated attack that severely damaged the Joint Chambers of the Legislature. The findings stem from months of forensic analysis, witness testimonies, and surveillance reviews following two major incidents: an initial act of vandalism on November 10, 2024, and a second, more devastating arson attack on December 18, 2024.

Among those formally charged is Thomas Isaac Etheridge, known as “Tom,” who served as Chief of Maintenance in the office of Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa. Etheridge, according to the LNP, played a central role in both damaging the chambers and later orchestrating the fire. He faces multiple felony charges including arson, criminal mischief, attempted murder, and criminal conspiracy under various sections of the Revised Penal Code of Liberia.

The investigation also named Eric Susay, who is accused not only of participating in the arson but of stealing a police firearm during the December 17 riot and physically assaulting an officer. Susay’s charges range from theft of property and aggravated assault to rioting and attempted murder.

Other suspects include Capitol maintenance employee Steven Broh, and Jerry Pokah of New Kru Town, both of whom face similar charges of arson and conspiracy.

However, the most startling revelation of the investigation is the alleged involvement of senior political figures, including Hon. Jonathan Fonati Koffa, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, and sitting lawmakers Hon. Abu Kamara and Hon. Jacob C. Debee. According to the police, evidence places these officials at the center of planning and financing the sabotage. Koffa, in particular, is believed to have initiated sabotage activities as early as November 2024. He is charged with criminal conspiracy, while Kamara and Debee face a suite of charges, including arson, criminal solicitation, and attempted murder.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation, but early indications suggest political interference and internal disputes over legislative authority and succession may have played a role. Police confirmed that the suspects are currently detained at the Monrovia Central Prison pending trial, and that legal proceedings will be conducted in full accordance with Liberian law and constitutional guarantees.

Inspector General Coleman emphasized that the attack was not only a crime against public property but a grave offense against the Republic. “The destruction of the Capitol Building’s Joint Chambers represents a direct assault on the foundation of our democracy and governance,” Coleman stated. “Let this serve as a clear message: the Liberia National Police will not tolerate any act that threatens public safety or the integrity of our national institutions.”

The LNP has urged the public to remain calm and allow the judicial process to unfold. In the meantime, the government is assessing the full extent of the damage to the Capitol Building, while security remains heightened in Monrovia and its surrounding areas.

SEE BELOW SUSPECTS AND CHARGES

Thomas Isaac Etheridge (alias Tom) Employee of the Capitol Building, Chief of Maintenance, Office of Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa Involved in damaging the chambers on November 10, 2024, and setting fire on December 18, 2024