NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — A man who set fire to a historic courthouse in Tennessee during weekend protests has been arrested, police said.
Wesley Somers, 25, is charged with felony arson, vandalism and disorderly conduct. He is accused of setting fire Saturday night to Nashville’s Historic Courthouse, Metro Nashville Police said.
Somers was among 29 people arrested after protesters in Tennessee’s capital set fires inside and outside the courthouse and toppled a statue of a former state lawmaker and newspaper publisher who espoused racist views. Protesters damaged 30 businesses and buildings including the courthouse and the historic Ryman Auditorium, known as the mother church of country music, which reported window damage, police said.
Thousands had rallied near the state Capitol starting Saturday afternoon to protest police brutality and racism. The demonstration turned violent after darkness fell.
Others who were arrested face charges that include assaulting police officers, disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing, police said.