January 28, 2024
Fires at the Golden Valley offices of several conservative organizations are being investigated as arson, according to the ATF.
"The fires obviously were set by someone," said John Hinderaker, president of Center of the American Experiment, in a Friday statement. "They targeted conservative organizations, they didn't firebomb the chiropractors or psychologists or the Manufacturers Alliance. We are cooperating with the FBI to try to identify the perpetrators."
Gov. Tim Walz wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday: "Political violence and intimidation have no place in Minnesota. I'm confident that local, state, and federal law enforcement will get to the bottom of this unacceptable act."
The fires happened about 2 a.m. Sunday outside the first floor offices of American Experiment and TakeCharge, and in the third-floor offices of the Upper Midwest Law Center, according to an American Experiment press release.
There was no visible fire damage to the second floor of the three-story building, which houses a variety of small businesses.
In a statement, Minnesota Republican Party Chairman David Hann condemned the suspected arson.
"The apparent targeting of these conservative organizations marks a chilling moment for free speech and civil discourse in our state," Hann said.
Hann also took aim at a DFL state representative who posted on X a meme from the "Office" television sitcom of character Dwight Schrute with the words, "Ryan started the fire!," referring to another "Office" character.
Hann said the lawmaker mocked the "seriousness and trauma" of the fire.
Rep. Andy Smith, DFL-Rochester, deleted his X account after facing criticism for the post from others online. A spokesman said Friday he was not available for an interview.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is investigating with the FBI, Minnesota State Fire Marshal, Golden Valley fire, Hennepin County fire investigative team and Hennepin County sheriff, a local ATF spokesperson said Friday. Because it's an ongoing investigation, she said they are limited in providing details.
American Experiment staff is working remotely while arrangements are made for alternate office space.
"Judging by the damage from the fire, it will take months to repair the building once the arson investigation is complete," the media statement said.
The organizations affected by last weekend's fire play a prominent role in Minnesota's conservative politics. The Center of the American Experiment refers to itself as "Minnesota's Think Tank" and regularly publishes analysis of Minnesota public affairs from a conservative perspective.
The Upper Midwest Law Center is involved in many legal cases advancing conservative priorities. One of the more significant cases it's involved with currently is a push to overturn a DFL-backed law that restored voting rights to felons on probation last year.
Take Charge is headed by former Republican gubernatorial and congressional candidate Kendall Qualls and his wife Sheila. Its aim is "to inspire and educate black and other minority communities of their full rights and privileges as Americans granted to them by the Constitution," according to the group's website.
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