The Erie County district attorney says a Buffalo man has been charged in connection with the fire that was started inside city hall on Saturday night.
The fire was started during protests that were sparked by the arrest and death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
Courtland Renford, 20, of Buffalo has been charged with third-degree arson and second-degree criminal mischief, according to DA John Flynn. Renford faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges.
“It is alleged that on Saturday, May 30, 2020, at approximately 11:32 p.m., the defendant intentionally threw an object that was on fire through a first-floor window of Buffalo City Hall, causing approximately $10,000 in damage,” read a statement from Flynn. “The incident occurred during a protest in Niagara Square. The fire was quickly extinguished by Buffalo firefighters.”
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown said they were going to find the man who started a fire in city hall hours after the incident.
"We have you on camera you idiot. We're going to find you, and prosecute you to the full extent of the law," Brown said.
The Buffalo Police Department thanked the Western New York community on Twitter Monday for its help leading up to the arrest.
Renford is scheduled to return on Monday, July 20, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. for a felony hearing.