Activist Anthony Smith Sentenced to a Year in Prison for Role in 2020 Protests

Smith, a former teacher, pleaded guilty to obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder, which included aiding and abetting an arson.

Anthony Smith, a well-known activist and former social studies teacher from West Philadelphia, has been sentenced to a year in prison for his role in flipping and setting fire to a police car during the 2020 protests following the death of George Floyd.
Smith pleaded guilty in June to a federal charge of obstructing law enforcement during a civil disorder, which included aiding and abetting an arson.
Smith's sentencing comes after a guilty plea and emotional pleas from family, friends, and ex-students who asked the judge not to send him to prison.
Smith's felony conviction bars him from teaching for 10 years.
Smith was a lead plaintiff in a civil rights lawsuit against the city for its police response during the protests, which was settled earlier this year for nearly $9.25 million.