Southern Sons hate group members charged with vandalism and arson

Three men were arrested by police for their alleged involvement in a hate group, the Southern Sons.

Tristan Somerson, Alexander Hare, and David Pagava are facing charges stemming from actions taken in September.

They reportedly desecrated the grave of a Jewish army veteran at Northlake Memorial Gardens Cemetery and later burned a pride flag belonging to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Charlotte.

Clark Simon, former president of Charlotte Pride, commented on the troubling behavior of the suspects, stating, “I think the problem is that it is not surprising anymore.”

He characterized the trio by saying, “Those folks that did this, they are just thugs; that’s all they are. They are weak, they’re broke and they are just sad people.”

Read more: WSOC