MONROVIA – In the aftermath of the devastating fire that ravaged the Capitol Building in late December 2023, Liberian Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman assured the public on Saturday, March 1, 2025, that the crime scene has been preserved and remains untouched, awaiting the arrival of foreign fire experts.
The fire, which destroyed key parts of the joint chambers and dome, has sparked an ongoing investigation into its cause. To assist with the inquiry, three retired fire chiefs from Minnesota, with a combined total of more than 90 years of experience, will be arriving in Liberia. The experts, Kenneth Prillaman, Mark Lynde, and Jerry Streich, are well-regarded in the field of fire safety and investigation.
Inspector General Coleman spoke to reporters at the Liberia National Police Headquarters, explaining that the Liberian government had formally requested assistance from the United States, although delays were caused by the transition of leadership in the U.S.
“We made the request last year, but the process had to be paused due to the transition in U.S. leadership,” Coleman said, confirming that arrangements had since been finalized. The experts are expected to provide crucial support for the ongoing investigation led by Liberian authorities.
He further emphasized that, contrary to public perception, the foreign experts are not conducting a separate investigation. Instead, they are lending their expertise to strengthen the existing probe. “They are not starting their own investigation. They are here to assist us, to fill in the gaps and enhance our findings,” Coleman clarified.
Despite the involvement of the U.S. experts, Coleman stated that the Liberian police have already gathered enough evidence to proceed with charges against individuals linked to the arson. “We have sufficient grounds for charges and have moved forward accordingly,” he confirmed.
Coleman also reassured the public that once the fire experts complete their work, the joint security forces will organize a press briefing to provide an update on the investigation and share their findings with the public.
