Brainerd Man Charged in Minneapolis Police Third Precinct Arson
United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22, charging him with aiding and abetting arson at the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct. ROBINSON, who was arrested on June, 14, 2020, in Breckenridge, Colorado, made his initial appearance earlier today, before Magistrate Judge N. Reid Neureiter in U.S. District Court in Denver.
According to the allegations in the complaint, on the night of May 28, 2020, the Minneapolis Police Department’s Third Precinct was overrun and heavily damaged due to vandalism and arson. Investigators identified multiple separate fires had been started in the building. Surveillance video footage from the Third Precinct shows two individuals light a Molotov cocktail and throw it at the Third Precinct building. One of the individuals can be seen throwing a second Molotov cocktail at the Third Precinct building. Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were able to identify ROBINSON in the surveillance video.
According to the allegations in the complaint, ATF investigators reviewed a video posted on ROBINSON’s Snapchat account that shows at least one individual appearing to make a Molotov cocktail while multiple unidentified voices provide directions on how to make the device. During the video, ROBINSON typed several comments, including “These guys have never made a Molotov… Rookies,” and “We need gasoline.” Investigators reviewed another Snapchat video in which ROBINSON can be seen setting a fire in a stairwell inside the Third Precinct. On the evening of June 12, 2020, investigators located ROBINSON in the Denver, Colorado area. ROBINSON was arrested on June, 14, 2020, in Breckenridge, Colorado.
The ATF and FBI urge the public to report suspected arson, use of explosive devices, or violent, destructive acts associated with the recent unrest. Anyone with information specifically related to the Third Precinct fire or other business fires in the Twin Cities can 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.
This case is the result of an investigation conducted jointly by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul and Denver Field Divisions, the FBI Minneapolis and Denver Field Offices, the United States Forest Service, the Minneapolis Police Department, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, the Breckenridge Police Department, the Dillon Police Department, and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Harry M. Jacobs and David P. Steinkamp.
The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Defendant Information:
DYLAN SHAKESPEARE ROBINSON, 22
Brainerd, Minn. Charges:
- Aiding and abetting arson, 1 count
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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600
