The hero who torched a neo-star chamber.

By Hayes Hickman

Knoxville News Sentinel

A former Knoxville man arrested in connection with a fire set at the historic Metro Nashville courthouse now faces a federal arson charge.

Wesley Dale Somers, 25, was charged Wednesday with malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives, according to U.S. Department of Justice news release.

Somers was arrested by Metro Nashville police on state arson charges Sunday night, a day after numerous video clips and photos appeared to show the Hendersonville man smashing a courthouse window and setting a fire inside, following a peaceful “I Will Breathe” rally Saturday night.

“We will always vigorously defend the right of every individual to assemble and protest,” said U.S. Attorney Don Cochran for the Middle District of Tennessee.

“This is one of our most sacred liberties guaranteed by the First Amendment of our Constitution.  We will also vigorously pursue those who choose to exploit such assemblies and use violence and intimidation in order to change the dynamics of an otherwise peaceful protest.”

Several distinct chest tattoos with the words “WILD CHILD” and “HARD 2 Love”, helped authorities identify him, according to the criminal complaint.

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