IRON MOUNTAIN, Michigan (LifeSiteNews) – A 19-year-old Michigan man who identifies as “genderfluid” has been arrested and charged after allegedly attempting to firebomb a local Republican Party office with a homemade Molotov cocktail.
Iron Mountain police say Zayn Arcand threw a glass bottle containing an unknown liquid at the Dickinson County Republican Committee (DCRC) headquarters on Saturday. The bottle, which had a rag sticking out of its mouth, failed to ignite but shattered on impact. A second unlit bottle with similar features was later found in the parking lot.
According to a statement from Iron Mountain Police and Fire Services, surveillance footage confirmed that Arcand attempted to light the bottle before throwing it at a window. After reviewing the video, officers identified the suspect and located him at his home, where he reportedly confessed to making the devices and targeting the building.
“The suspect was hoping what he made was flammable and would ignite,” police stated. He said he threw the bottle “to send a message against the corruption.”
Arcand has been charged with manufacturing and possessing a Molotov cocktail and with preparing to burn property. He appeared for arraignment via video on Monday and is being held at the Dickinson County Jail.
In a statement, the Dickinson County Republican Committee thanked law enforcement for their “quick action” and called for political violence to end. “We hope the suspect is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the group said.
A spokesperson also condemned inflammatory political messaging, referencing Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s past appearance with an “8645” sticker—widely understood as a call to remove President Donald Trump.
Arcand is also linked to an online persona, “AtomicHavoc,” a YouTube channel where he describes himself as “pangender,” “ambiamarous,” and “sexually fluid.”
Videos on the channel, dating back to 2023, often focus on his “gender identity” and opposition to conservative politics. The channel description explicitly bans a range of users, including “MAGA supporters,” “Christian Nationalists,” “TERFs,” and “far-right leaners.”
In his most recent video, Arcand explained his self-identification as “pangender,” saying it “incorporates many genders into one identity mix.” Other posts express frustration with perceived political injustice and promote left-wing talking points.
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges or federal involvement are expected.
