A man currently residing in Fridley has been charged with two counts of first-degree arson in connection to a Minneapolis ice cream shop being firebombed twice in about 15 hours this week.
Submitted info from SE Minneapolis:
"Someone threw a Molotov at Fletchers Ice cream on Hennepin Ave next to mayor Frey’s apartment. Cops all over it now, crime tape up, investigators there now. Looks like the mayor there now."**Occurred before 1 p.m. Fire investigator was… pic.twitter.com/BHkyzzl9rl
— CrimeWatchMpls (@CrimeWatchMpls) October 20, 2025
The incidents occurred late Sunday night and again at midday on Monday, in which a suspect was observed throwing Molotov cocktail incendiary devices through the window of the building where Fletcher’s Ice Cream is housed on the 300 block of East Hennepin Avenue, according to charges filed Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court. The building is located on the border between northeast and southeast Minneapolis, and is located on the same block where Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey lives with his wife and two children in a loft apartment.
Firomsa Ahmed Umar, 30, was captured in the vehicle described by witnesses near the University of Minnesota on University Avenue SE and Ontario Avenue SE shortly after the second firebombing on Monday, the complaint says.
The charging document does not list a motive for the attacks, but the shop’s owner, Jason Fletcher, alleged in media reports that the business may have been targeted due to its large LGBTQ+ flag mounted outside above the front door. Minneapolis City Council member Jason Chavez also posted on X alleging the attack was due to “marginalized communities” being “targeted.”
At a time when marginalized communities are being even more targeted than has always been the case, it is important that we as a city condemn this behavior. We must also reaffirm our commitment to equality and the safety of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors. 2/
— Jason Chavez – Minneapolis Ward 9 (@MplsWard9) October 20, 2025
Business owner Jason Fletcher was not quoted in any new media reports following the charges, and no follow-up post was made by City Council member Jason Chavez on the arrest or charges.
Umar is scheduled to make his first court appearance on Thursday afternoon and remains in custody on $100,000 bail. No attorney or public defender is yet listed for Umar in court records.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
