An arson investigation is underway at a Golden Valley building that is home to several conservative organizations, the ATF said on Friday.
The fires happened at about 2 a.m. on Sunday outside the first-floor offices at 8421 Wayzata Blvd Suite 110, which is home to conservative think-tank the Center of the American Experiment and TakeCharge, which is run by former GOP governor candidate Kendall Qualls.
A fire also broke out on the third floor, where another conservative group, the Upper Midwest Law Center, is located.
The second floor of the building has no visible fire damage, leading to the organizations to suggest that their officers were deliberately targeted.
ATF spokesperson Ashlee Sherrill said details are limited due to it being an ongoing investigation.
“The fire is being investigated as an act of arson,” Sherrill said.
Center of American Experiment President John Hinderaker believes the fires were “obviously set by someone.”
“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,” Hinderaker said.