Man Convicted of Firebombing Ice Cream Shop Twice in Hate Crime Attack

Prosecutors say the suspect targeted the LGBTQ-friendly business due to its Pride flag

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:06pm

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An extreme close-up of a charred, melted glass bottle with a blackened wick, conceptually representing the aftermath of a firebomb attack on a small business.The aftermath of a hate-motivated firebomb attack exposes the ongoing threat to LGBTQ-friendly businesses in local communities.Minneapolis Today

A 32-year-old Minneapolis-area man has been found guilty by a federal jury of arson and attempted arson for throwing Molotov cocktails at an ice cream shop in northeast Minneapolis on two separate occasions within 24 hours. Prosecutors say Firomsa Ahmed Umar targeted Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe, which bills itself as a safe space for the LGBTQ community, due to the shop's Pride flag.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing threat of hate crimes targeting LGBTQ-owned businesses and spaces, even in progressive urban areas like Minneapolis. The dual firebomb attacks on the ice cream shop, which serves as a community hub, underscore the vulnerability of marginalized groups and the need for continued vigilance and action against bias-motivated violence.

The details

On October 19, Umar threw a Molotov cocktail that broke a window and started a small fire at Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe. He returned the following afternoon and threw another firebomb, which did not ignite. Prosecutors successfully argued that Umar chose the shop as a target because of its Pride flag and status as an LGBTQ-friendly business.

  • On October 19, Umar allegedly threw a Molotov cocktail at the ice cream shop.
  • On October 20, Umar allegedly threw another Molotov cocktail at the ice cream shop.

The players

Firomsa Ahmed Umar

A 32-year-old Minneapolis-area man who was convicted by a federal jury of arson and attempted arson for the firebomb attacks on the ice cream shop.

Fletcher's Ice Cream and Cafe

An ice cream shop in northeast Minneapolis that bills itself as a safe space for the LGBTQ community and was targeted by Umar due to its Pride flag.

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What they’re saying

“We must remain vigilant against hate crimes that target vulnerable communities, even in progressive cities.”

— Kimberly Jones, Civil Rights Advocate

What’s next

Umar will be sentenced at a later date, with the jury's finding that the attacks were motivated by gender identity or sexual orientation making him eligible for a longer prison term.

The takeaway

This case underscores the ongoing need to address bias-motivated violence and protect LGBTQ-owned businesses and safe spaces, even in areas known for progressive values. The dual firebomb attacks on the ice cream shop highlight the vulnerability of marginalized communities and the importance of swift action and strong penalties for hate crimes.