Man convicted for firebombing Minneapolis ice cream shop

Attacks targeted Pride flag above cafe entrance

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:56pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, melted Pride flag, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a hate-motivated firebombing attack.The firebombing of an LGBTQ-friendly ice cream shop exposes the ongoing threat of hate-motivated attacks in Minneapolis.Minneapolis Today

Jurors have convicted a man for twice lobbing firebombs at a Minneapolis ice cream shop within a 15-hour period. The attacks targeted a Pride flag hung above the Hennepin Avenue cafe's entrance.

Why it matters

The firebombings raise concerns about a rise in hate crimes targeting LGBTQ-owned businesses and symbols in the Minneapolis area, which has seen an increase in bias-motivated incidents in recent years.

The details

According to court records, the suspect threw Molotov cocktails at the ice cream shop on two separate occasions, causing significant damage but no injuries. The attacks were captured on surveillance footage and the suspect was later identified and arrested.

  • The first firebombing occurred on the evening of April 8, 2026.
  • The second attack happened around 3 a.m. the following morning on April 9, 2026.

The players

Minneapolis ice cream shop

A cafe located on Hennepin Avenue that was the target of the firebomb attacks.

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What’s next

The suspect is scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks. Prosecutors have indicated they will seek a lengthy prison term due to the severity of the crimes and the apparent bias motivation.

The takeaway

These attacks underscore the need for continued vigilance and action to combat hate crimes and protect LGBTQ-owned businesses and symbols in the Minneapolis community.