25-year-old arrested for allegedly setting fire to Nashville’s historic courthouse

Police in Tennessee arrested a 25-year-old man suspected of setting fire to a historic courthouse in Nashville on Saturday night during protests in response to the police killing of George Floyd.

A tweet from the Nashville police department identified the suspect as Wesley Somers, and noted that Somers was charged with vandalism, disorderly conduct and felony arson for the fire Saturday evening that damaged the historic building.

BREAKING: Specialized Investigations Division detectives & SWAT officers moments ago arrested Wesley Somers, 25, on charges of felony arson, vandalism, & disorderly conduct for setting fire to Nashville’s Historic Courthouse Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/tg0AFrU3OP

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) May 31, 2020

Somers was apparently one of three people seen in photos released by Nashville police causing damage to city buildings during Saturday’s demonstrations; the city hall was also partially burned by fire and suffered other vandalism.

Nashville’s Historic Courthouse was the site of arson, burglary and vandalism Sat night. Tear gas was deployed to disperse the crowd. Do you know any of these 3 persons? Please call Crime Stoppers anonymously and receive a cash reward. 615-742-7463 or https://t.co/a3MbUq0BEk pic.twitter.com/ORyYFmlGRr

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) May 31, 2020

28 people were arrested on various charges during the protests Saturday, according to Nashville police, while 30 businesses and other buildings in the city were reportedly damaged.

As of now (before sunrise) we count 30 businesses and buildings that the protestors (vandals) damaged in our city Saturday night. pic.twitter.com/twIX88auyY

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) May 31, 2020