![Man Says Fire at Somali Cafe Had Nothing to do With Race](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2015/12/Matthew-Gust.jpg?w=300&h=200&zc=1&s=0&a=t&q=89&w=980&q=75)
Man Says Fire at Somali Cafe Had Nothing to do With Race
FARGO, N.D. (AP) - A man who pleaded guilty to a federal hate crime for firebombing a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks says the incident had nothing to do with race.
Matthew Gust made the comment to a federal judge Thursday before pleading guilty to two counts for the December fire at the Juba Coffee House.
The fire came three days after vandals spray-painted what some have described as a Nazi-like symbol on the business.
The 25-year-old Gust told the judge he doesn't like the wording of one charge accusing him of attempting to intimidate employees and customers of the restaurant because of their national origin.
Prosecutor Megan Healy replied that at least two witnesses testified that Gust has show animosity toward the Somali community.
The plea agreement calls for a 15-year prison sentence.
More From AM 1240 WJON
![Grand Forks Officer Killed, Deputy Wounded](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2020/05/Grand-Forks-PD.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Grand Forks Police: Mother Killed 3 Children, Then Herself](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2017/11/Police-Lights-1600X1067.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Ten Years Later, Sjodin’s Mom, Others Carry On](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2013/05/Dru-Sjodin.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Ben’s, St. John’s Official Higher Ed Partners with MN United](http://townsquare.media/site/70/files/2019/11/soccer_ball_getty_Michael-Regan_Getty24.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gas Prices Fall in Minnesota, Rise Nationally](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/04/attachment-GettyImages-97962772.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Cloud’s Coborn’s, CentraCare Make List of Biggest Minnesota Employers](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jobs3-Thinkstock-GettyImages.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Central MN Meat Market Introduces 24/7 Meat Vending Machine](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-Jen-and-Travis.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Becker Woman Hurt in Crash Near Spicer](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2023/06/State-Patrol-Stock-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Get Ready For Change: Minnesota Introduces Area Code 924 Overlay](http://townsquare.media/site/67/files/2024/07/attachment-NewAreaCode.jpg?w=980&q=75)