Man Convicted of Arson for Firebombing Minneapolis Ice Cream Shop

Jury finds Firomsa Ahmed Umar guilty of targeting LGBTQ-friendly business with Molotov cocktails

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:27pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred Molotov cocktail bottle, capturing the texture and material details in dramatic lighting to conceptually represent the arson attack on the ice cream shop.The conviction of a Minnesota man for firebombing an LGBTQ-friendly ice cream shop highlights the ongoing threat of hate-motivated attacks against vulnerable businesses.Minneapolis Today

A federal jury has convicted a 31-year-old Minnesota man, Firomsa Ahmed Umar, of arson, attempted arson, and possession of unregistered destructive devices for throwing Molotov cocktails at a northeast Minneapolis ice cream shop last fall. The jury determined that Umar targeted the LGBTQ-friendly business, Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe, because of the Pride flag displayed outside.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of hate-motivated attacks against LGBTQ-owned businesses and the importance of prosecuting such crimes to the fullest extent of the law. The conviction sends a strong message that bias-driven violence will not be tolerated.

The details

According to court documents, Umar firebombed Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe on Hennepin Avenue East twice in late October 2025. Witnesses saw him flee the scene in a Honda Odyssey after throwing a Molotov cocktail at the shop on October 20th. Police later pulled him over and found a red gasoline container in his vehicle. The jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching their guilty verdict.

  • On October 20, 2025, Umar allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe.
  • In late October 2025, Umar allegedly firebombed the ice cream shop on two separate occasions.

The players

Firomsa Ahmed Umar

A 31-year-old man from Fridley, Minnesota, who was found guilty of arson, attempted arson, and possession of unregistered destructive devices for targeting an LGBTQ-friendly ice cream shop in Minneapolis.

Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe

A northeast Minneapolis ice cream shop that was founded as a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community and was the target of the firebombing attacks.

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What’s next

Umar also faces state charges of arson, but that case is currently on hold. His sentencing date in the federal case has not yet been set.

The takeaway

The conviction of Firomsa Ahmed Umar sends a strong message that bias-driven violence and attacks on LGBTQ-friendly businesses will not be tolerated. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance and prosecution of hate crimes to protect vulnerable communities.