TikTok Influencer Charged In Minneapolis Police 3rd Precinct Fire

MINNEAPOLIS — A self-described Tik Tok and Instagram influencer is accused of helping start a fire at Minneapolis Police Department's Third Precinct building, which was burned and heavily vandalized May 28 when protests broke out over the death of George Floyd.

Bryce Michael Williams, 26 — of Staples, Minnesota —has been federally charged with conspiracy to commit arson at the precinct.

On the night of May 28, the Third Precinct was overrun by demonstrators, and Mayor Jacob Frey ordered police to abandon it.

Investigators said they identified Williams in surveillance video footage at the scene that shows him holding a Molotov cocktail while others attempt to light it.

Investigators also reviewed videos that were posted on his TikTok account on May 28 and 29, 2020. In one of the videos, Williams can be seen standing in front of the burning Third Precinct building, authorities said.

Williams was arrested Tuesday. He made his initial appearance Wednesday at the U.S. District Court in Minneapolis.