NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – A Hendersonville man charged with setting the Metro Courthouse on fire on May 30, 2020, has been sentenced to federal prison.

According to the United State Department of Justice, Wesley Somers, 26, was sentenced to five years in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

“On May 30, 2020, scores of local, state and federal law enforcement officers stood ready to protect the Constitutional right of every citizen to engage in peaceful protests,” said U.S. Attorney Wildasin.  “Unfortunately, Somers and others interfered with a lawful assembly and resorted to violence and destructive behavior, which resulted in significant property damage and placed many at risk of harm.  We will always defend the right of every individual to exercise their First Amendment liberties but will not tolerate the actions of those who choose to exploit peaceful protest by resorting to violence and intimidation.” FULL STORY HERE