Fridley Man Charged With Arson At Fletcher’s Ice Cream Below LGBTQIA+ Flag

MINNEAPOLIS, MN — A Fridley man is accused of throwing Molotov cocktails at Fletcher’s Ice Cream in northeast Minneapolis on back-to-back nights, according to charges filed Wednesday in Hennepin County District Court.

Firomsa Ahmed Umar, 30, is charged with two counts of first-degree arson involving the use of flammable materials. Each count carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.

According to the criminal complaint, Minneapolis police responded around 12:52 p.m. Oct. 20 to reports that a man had thrown a lit incendiary device through the window of Fletcher’s Ice Cream, located on the 300 block of Hennepin Avenue East.

Officers learned that a similar attack had happened the previous night at the same business.

Witnesses told police the suspect fled in a Honda Odyssey minivan. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from both nights and identified Umar as the person who lit and threw the devices, the complaint said.

Police later located the suspect vehicle near Ontario Street and University Avenue Southeast. Umar was driving, and officers found a red gasoline container on the front passenger seat, according to the charges.

The ice cream shop sustained damage to its front window, nearby walls, and surrounding concrete. Investigators found two broken glass bottles consistent with Molotov cocktails and detected an accelerant. A residential building is attached to the business, the complaint said.

Police have not yet identified a motive for targeting Fletcher’s Ice Cream.

City Council Member Jason Chavez, who represents Minneapolis Ward 9, addressed the attack Monday on social media, noting it occurred directly below a prominently displayed LGBTQIA+ flag.

“I am sad to hear about Fletcher’s Ice Cream & Café being targeted in Northeast Minneapolis,” Chavez wrote on X. “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.”

Umar remains in custody at the Hennepin County Jail with bail set at $100,000.