Nashville woman faces federal charges for arson at Metro Courthouse

NASHVILLE, TN (WSMV) - A 22-year-old woman is facing federal charges after authorities said she was involved with arson at the Metro courthouse in May. 

Shelby Ligons, of Nashville, was charged with malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives.

According to the the unsealed criminal complaint, protesters gathered in the downtown area following the death of George Floyd by police officers in Minneapolis. However, later in the evening, a group gathered in front of the Nashville City Hall, also known as the Metro Courthouse.

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The Historic Courthouse and several businesses on Broadway were damaged after protests in Nashville on Saturday evening. 

During this time, authorities said fires were set at the courthouse. Authorities located multiple video clips and photos of the damage on social media. 

UPDATE: This woman has been identified as Shelby Ligons, 22, of Nashville. She was arrested today by the FBI on a federal charge of malicious destruction of property using fire or explosives. She is being prosecuted in U.S. District Court. https://t.co/Eh0ISid4NK

— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) August 4, 2020

According to the complaint, Ligons was "depicted setting fire to the poster and placing it inside a window located on the exterior structure of City Hall." 

Ligons was arrested by FBI agents on Tuesday morning. Authorities said Ligons is scheduled to appear before a U.S. Magistrate Judge on Tuesday afternoon.

Wesley Somers, 25, of Hendersonville, was previously charged in June in the arson. 

Man accused of setting fire at Metro Courthouse now facing federal charges

A man was charged with setting a fire to the historic Nashville Courthouse Saturday night is now facing federal charges.