MINNEAPOLIS – Federal charges have been filed against 59-year-old Michael Allen Francisco for his alleged involvement in a bombing at Studio 411, a hair salon in the Bryn Mawr neighborhood of Minneapolis, back in 2022. According to United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger, Francisco is charged with maliciously damaging a building engaged in interstate commerce by means of an explosive device. The incident occurred on November 20, 2022, when Francisco reportedly placed an explosive device on the salon’s window, causing significant damage.
Authorities further allege that Francisco returned to the salon in November 2023 and threw a rock through the window. DNA recovered from the rock led to Francisco’s arrest. Additionally, Francisco is connected to an unrelated incident in March 2023, where police found him trespassing at an abandoned lumber yard. After being instructed to leave, Francisco left on foot, and officers later found an abandoned Ford F-150 with an explosive device inside. The device was similar in construction to the one used in the Studio 411 bombing.
During a search of Francisco’s residence last month, investigators discovered explosive components, a firearm, and a jacket matching the one worn during the November 2023 incident. Methamphetamine was also found in his home. Francisco reportedly confessed to both the bombing and vandalism during interviews with authorities. He is currently in jail awaiting trial, though the motive behind the incidents has not been disclosed.