United States Attorney Jacqueline C. Romero announced the sentencing of Tyrone Wise, a 34-year-old resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Wise was sentenced to five years in prison and three years of supervised release by United States District Court Judge Timothy J. Savage for setting fire to a building in West Philadelphia.

Wise had pleaded guilty in September to malicious damage by means of fire on a building used in interstate commerce. He confessed to intentionally setting fire to the SunRay Drugs Pharmacy located at 25 South 60th Street on May 31, 2020, during both lawful protests and unlawful civil disturbances occurring in Philadelphia.

The fire resulted in significant damage including $1.2 million worth of destruction due to extensive fire, water, and smoke impact on the pharmacy and the entire building which housed apartments above it. Consequently, the SunRay Drugs location was forced to close.

“Tyrone Wise’s actions were incredibly dangerous,” stated U.S. Attorney Romero. “He set this fire with no regard for the two apartments upstairs and any people who might be in them, the potential for the flames to spread to adjacent buildings, or the risks to first responders who would have to fight the blaze."

Eric DeGree, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Philadelphia Field Division added that "Tyrone Wise took advantage of the lawlessness of the moment," emphasizing how arson damages communities and endangers lives.

The investigation was conducted by both Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with Philadelphia Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Kevin Jayne.