Police investigating Marcy-Holmes arson believed to be politically motivated

Police are investigating an arson incident after a Marcy-Holmes home was set ablaze Monday morning.

At about 6 a.m. Monday, fire crews were called to the home on the 600 block of 6th Street Southeast after a fire started on the door and frame on the front of the house.

The Fire Department found gasoline was used as an accelerant in the fire, which “severely damaged” the front door and “scorched” wooden beams inside the home, according to a release from Marcy-Holmes Neighborhood Association.

The homeowner was not home at the time and is safe. According to the release, the homeowner suggested the perpetrators may have committed the crime due to Black Lives Matter and Sen. Paul Wellstone signs that were part of the fire set.

“While yard signs are sometimes stolen or tampered with in election season, arson is a significantly more troubling crime,” read the release. “To set fire to a home and yard signs with gasoline is alarming.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the Arson Hotline at 800-723-2020 or the Minneapolis Arson Squad at 612-673-3389.