A man from Fridley, Minnesota, has been charged with two counts of first-degree arson after allegedly attacking a Minneapolis ice cream shop with Molotov cocktails on two separate occasions.
According to Hennepin County court documents, the 30-year-old man is accused of throwing firebombs at Fletcher’s Ice Cream and Café, located on Hennepin Avenue East, first on Sunday night and again the following Monday afternoon. The incidents were reported to police both times, and security footage helped investigators identify the suspect.
Witnesses who saw the attacks told police they spotted the man fleeing the scene in a Honda Odyssey. They were able to record the vehicle’s license plate and share it with authorities. Investigators then reviewed security footage and compared it with a photo of the van’s registered owner, confirming the suspect’s identity.
Police later pulled the man over near Ontario Street and University Avenue Southeast on Monday. During the arrest, officers found a red gasoline container inside his vehicle. The criminal complaint did not provide a clear motive for the firebombings.
Jason Fletcher, the owner of the ice cream shop, fears the attacks may have been fueled by hate. Fletcher’s Ice Cream and Café is known as a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community, proudly displaying a Pride flag outside. Fletcher said he couldn’t help but wonder if that symbol of inclusion made his shop a target.
“It happened twice here,” Fletcher said. “It didn’t happen at the bar next door, it happened here. There’s a reason why. And I’d like to think it’s not my flag, but it very well could be.”
No one was hurt in either attack, but the shop suffered fire damage. Fletcher said he and his team are grateful that everyone is safe, though the emotional toll has been heavy. The ice cream café has long served as a community space where people from all walks of life can feel accepted and enjoy simple moments of joy.
Neighbors and supporters have since rallied behind Fletcher, offering to help clean and repair the shop. Many have also expressed outrage over the incident, calling for justice and more protection for inclusive spaces.
Police continue to investigate the case, and authorities have not ruled out the possibility of hate-crime charges, depending on what further evidence reveals.
Fletcher said that while the attacks were frightening, they have also reminded him of the power of community. “People have been stopping by, sending messages, asking how they can help,” he said. “It makes me realize that there’s still so much love and support out there. That’s what I want to focus on.”
The café remains temporarily closed as repairs continue, but Fletcher said he is determined to reopen soon. “This place means a lot to people,” he said. “It’s not just an ice cream shop. It’s a home for kindness and belonging. We’ll rebuild, and we’ll come back stronger.”
