A Wayzata man and a Monticello man have been charged with felonies in connection with a fire at a South Minneapolis Wells Fargo Bank building in the wake of the George Floyd killing.
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald announced that Alexander Steven Heil, 24, of Monticello and Marc Bell Gonzales, 29, of Wayzata were each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit arson.
According to the complaint, on May 28 Heil and Gonzales joined others in conspiring to set fire to the bank building.
MacDonald said in a press release that, “specifically, Gonzales poured gasoline onto the bank property for the purpose of accelerating the fire” and that Heil “joined and engaged with other individuals in conduct designed to accelerate a fire” inside the bank.
Both men will make initial appearances in U.S. District Court at a later date.
The ATF and FBI ask anyone with information related to business fires in the Twin Cities to call 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via ReportIt.com.
In addition to fires, the FBI is looking for people who may have incited or promoted violence of any kind. Anyone with digital material or tips can call 1-800-CALLFBI (800-225-5324) or submit images or videos at FBI.gov/violence.
