Suspect Formally Charged in Duluth Synagogue Fire
Matthew Amiot, 36, Was Arrested Friday for Suspected Arson
DULUTH, Minn. – The homeless suspect arrested last Friday for starting the Adas Israel Synagogue fire has been formally charged.
According to court records Matthew James Amiot, 36, has been charged with negligent fires and negligent fires-human being injured/bodily harm.
Amiot was arrested for first degree arson on Friday, but right now police say there is no evidence that this was a hate crime.
According to the complaint, Amiot allegedly set fire to combustible materials in a small alcove between the synagogue and a religious structure called a sukkah.
Amiot told authorities he “tried to spit on the fire to put it out” but when the flames would not go out he walked away.
The Public Defender representing Amiot says he “denies the allegations” and was at the “wrong place at the wrong time.”
Bail has been set at $20,000.
An omnibus hearing has been set for October 8.
