Second Individual Charged with Arson of Target Headquarters
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against LEROY LEMONTE PERRY WILLIAMS, 34, charging him with attempt to commit arson. WILLIAMS made his initial appearance today before Magistrate Judge Hildy Bowbeer in U.S. District Court in St. Paul, Minnesota.
According to the criminal complaint, on Wednesday, August 26, 2020, Minneapolis experienced arson, rioting, and looting, following the suicide of a suspect in a homicide, and in response to false rumors surrounding the man’s death. At approximately 11:06 p.m., City of Minneapolis and Target Headquarters surveillance video showed a man, later identified as WILLIAMS, light a cardboard box on fire and place it inside the Target Headquarters building through a shattered glass door. WILLIAMS made several attempts to reignite the cardboard box. At 11:10 p.m., WILLIAMS was seen making several additional attempts to start a fire inside of the vestibule of the building.
This case is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Minneapolis Fire Department, and the Minneapolis, Bloomington, and Richfield Police Departments.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Chelsea A. Walcker.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
LEROY LEMONTE PERRY WILLIAMS, 34
Charges:
- Attempt to commit arson, 1 count
