Arrest in Michigan for Molotov Cocktail Incident

Michigan State Police apprehended a 19-year-old on Saturday for allegedly launching Molotov cocktails into the Dickinson County Republican Committee headquarters located in Iron Mountain, Michigan.

Initial witness accounts indicated that the suspect attempted to ignite a rag sticking out of a glass bottle before throwing it into the building’s windows. Police later reviewed security footage, which corroborated the witness statements, as noted by Iron Mountain Police & Fire Services.

The individual, identified as Zayn Arkand, was not released after his arrest. Reports indicate that he appeared in court on Monday.

According to authorities, “The subject lit the rag and hurled the glass bottle through the window, causing it to shatter.”

In a press release, officers stated they found a second glass bottle in the parking lot, containing an “unknown liquid” and additional rags sticking out from the top.

Following a review of surveillance footage, the authorities tracked the suspect to his home.

When questioned, Arkand reportedly confessed to creating the bottles in his driveway, throwing them at the building, and intended to express his discontent regarding corruption. The release mentioned that he acknowledged the flammability of the materials he used.

Charges against Arkand include making and possessing Molotov cocktails, as well as preparing to damage property.

The Dickinson County Republican Committee expressed gratitude to the Iron Mountain Police for their swift response. They also emphasized a desire for the legal system to fully prosecute the suspect.

Additionally, a spokesperson for the DCRC called for an end to political violence, criticizing certain political displays and rhetoric as “reckless and dangerous.”

Arkand, who operates a YouTube channel under the name “Atomichavoc,” has publicly shared aspects of his identity, identifying as “pengender” among other labels. He has posted several videos discussing his perspectives on gender and sexuality.

The channel also contains content that is critical of Republican viewpoints, featuring a statement that discourages interaction with people holding various negative beliefs.

Currently, Arkand remains in detention at the Dickinson County Jail.