A Minnesota man who set his ex-girlfriend’s townhouse on fire while four children were inside has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after prosecutors described the attack as carefully planned and extremely dangerous.
Minnesota Man Sentenced for Setting Ex-Girlfriend’s Home on Fire
Abdirahman Abdi Abdullahi, 23, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to arson resulting in personal injury.
Federal prosecutors in Minnesota announced the sentence, calling the case one of deliberate planning and targeted violence.
Threats Made Days Before Fire
According to prosecutors, Abdullahi was already on probation at the time of the attack for violating a restraining order that prohibited him from contacting his former girlfriend.
Just two days before the fire, prosecutors said he allegedly sent her a threatening message warning, “when I see u I’m smoke u.”
Authorities also said he later appeared at her townhouse and threatened to kill her.
Investigators Say Attack Was Carefully Planned
On May 31, 2024, prosecutors say Abdullahi began preparing for the attack.
According to investigators, he:
- Obtained a rental vehicle with help from another person
- Drove to a gas station and filled a gas can with gasoline
- Parked near the townhouse instead of directly outside
- Walked through hedges carrying gasoline and a bag of clothing
Investigators said he then soaked the clothes with gasoline and set them on fire at the entrance of the home.
Fire Destroyed Home With Children Inside
The flames quickly spread through the townhouse.
Fire investigators said the blaze:
- Collapsed the garage roof
- Melted the front door handle
- Completely destroyed the home
- Damaged neighboring townhouses
At the time of the fire, Abdullahi’s ex-girlfriend was not home.
However, an adult man and four children were inside.
Firefighters Rescue 9-Month-Old Baby
When emergency crews arrived, the adult and three children managed to escape safely.
But a 9-month-old baby remained trapped inside the burning home.
Firefighters entered the building and safely rescued the infant before rushing the child to a hospital.
All occupants ultimately survived.
Judge Calls Attack ‘Calculated and Cold’
During sentencing, the judge reportedly focused on the level of planning involved in the crime.
Court officials said the judge described Abdullahi’s actions as “calculated” and “cold,” noting that the attack could have easily ended in multiple deaths.
15-Year Sentence Brings Case to Close
Abdullahi’s 15-year prison sentence closes a disturbing domestic violence case that could have turned into a mass tragedy.
The case also highlights the dangers victims can continue to face even after obtaining restraining orders, and the importance of quick emergency response in saving lives.
