Fridley man charged with two counts in Fletcher’s firebombings; community rallies
Prosecutors have charged a Fridley man with two counts of first‑degree arson after two Molotov cocktail attacks on Fletcher’s Ice Cream in Minneapolis — one Sunday night that broke a window but was extinguished and a second in daylight Monday that failed to ignite when the wick fell out. A witness photo of a suspect in a minivan helped police make an arrest about a half‑mile away, and the community, joined by Mayor Jacob Frey and others, rallied at the shop Thursday while officials say motive — including whether it was related to the shop’s pride flag — remains undetermined.
📌 Key Facts
- Two Molotov cocktail attacks targeted Fletcher’s Ice Cream & Cafe in Minneapolis: the first late Sunday after employees left (a bottle broke a window but flames stayed outside and were extinguished by neighboring employees), and a second in daylight Monday when the wick fell out and prevented further damage.
- A witness photo of a suspect in a minivan helped police identify and arrest a Fridley man about a half mile from the scene.
- County prosecutors have filed two counts of first-degree arson against the suspect; the case has moved from arrest to formal charging.
- No one was injured in the incidents.
- Neighbors organized and attended a Thursday evening rally in support of the shop, with supporters lining up at the business.
- Mayor Jacob Frey (who lives on the same block), two mayoral candidates and community leaders including Rev. Dewayne Davis visited to show support for the shop and local businesses.
- Owner Jason Fletcher publicly expressed gratitude that no one was hurt and emphasized continuing LGBTQ visibility at the shop.
- Authorities have not determined a motive and it remains unclear whether the attacks were related to the shop’s pride flag.
📰 Source Timeline (4)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
October 24, 2025
2:32 AM
Fletcher's Ice Cream & Cafe targeted twice, community rallies in support
New information:
- Suspect is a Fridley man facing two counts of first-degree arson.
- Community rally occurred Thursday night with supporters lining up at the shop.
- Owner Jason Fletcher’s on-the-record quotes emphasizing continued LGBTQ visibility and gratitude that no one was hurt.
October 22, 2025
4:28 PM
Arson charges filed as community rallies behind Minneapolis ice cream shop targeted by firebombings
New information:
- Prosecutors have filed arson charges against the suspect arrested in connection with the two Molotov cocktail attacks on Fletcher’s Ice Cream in Minneapolis.
- The community rallied in support of the ice cream shop following the incidents, building on earlier plans for a show of support.
- Article confirms the case has moved from arrest to formal charging by county authorities.
October 21, 2025
11:11 PM
Community rallies after Molotov cocktail attacks on ice cream shop
New information:
- First attack happened Sunday night after employees left; a Molotov cocktail broke a window but flames stayed outside and were extinguished by neighboring employees.
- Second attack occurred in daylight Monday, but the wick fell out and prevented further damage.
- A witness photo of a suspect in a minivan helped lead to an arrest about a half mile away.
- Mayor Jacob Frey, who lives on the same block, and two mayoral candidates visited to show support; Rev. Dewayne Davis emphasized backing local businesses.
- Neighbors are organizing a rally Thursday evening to support the shop.
- Motive remains undetermined; unclear whether the attack was related to the shop’s pride flag.