Jury Convicts Minneapolis Man Of 2020 Arson At Target Headquarters

ST. PAUL, MN — A federal jury convicted a Minneapolis man guilty of attempting to set fire at the Target Corporation’s headquarters building in downtown Minneapolis, U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced Friday.

Leroy Lemonte Perry Williams, 36, was found guilty on Thursday of one count of arson. His sentencing hearing has not yet been scheduled.

On the evening of Aug. 26, 2020, Minneapolis saw a rash of arson, rioting, and looting following false rumors regarding a suicide death on downtown's Nicollet Mall.

According to prosecutors, surveillance video showed Williams joining the downtown riots. Vandals first congregated outside the Target store on Nicollet Mall before looting a Speedway Gas Station a few blocks away, authorities said.

Rioters then vandalized the Target Corporation headquarters building in downtown.

While inside the Target Headquarters building, Williams repeatedly attempted to light cardboard on fire using a lighter, authorities said. He was interrupted in his attempts by an unidentified male who confronted him, according to investigators.

Williams responded aggressively by shoving him, before ultimately leaving the Target headquarters, authorities said.