Man Gets 10 Years In Minneapolis Target HQ Arson

MINNEAPOLIS — A Minneapolis man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after he was convicted of trying to start a fire at Target's corporate headquarters in downtown Minneapolis, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced.

A jury found Leroy Lemonte Perry Williams, 36, guilty of one count of arson back in October. His sentencing hearing was held Wednesday.

On the evening of Aug. 26, 2020, Minneapolis saw a rash of arson, rioting, and looting following false rumors regarding a suicide death on downtown's Nicollet Mall.

According to prosecutors, surveillance video showed Williams joining the downtown riots. Vandals first congregated outside the Target store on Nicollet Mall before looting a Speedway Gas Station a few blocks away, authorities said.

Rioters then vandalized the Target Corporation headquarters building in downtown.

While inside the Target Headquarters building, Williams repeatedly attempted to light cardboard on fire using a lighter, authorities said. He was interrupted in his attempts by an unidentified male who confronted him, according to investigators.

Williams responded aggressively by shoving him, before ultimately leaving the Target headquarters, authorities said.