Police: Arsonists Light Former Dayton House On Fire

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Police say that arsonists appear to have lit a small fire in a house that Gov. Mark Dayton once lived in early Saturday morning in retaliation for the government shutdown.

The fire started at the back of the house, located on the 4200 block of East Lake Harriet Parkway, around 2 a.m. Police say they believe the incident to be arson, because lighter fluid and gasoline were found at the house.

The house sustained minimal damage, police said.

Because Dayton used to live in the house, police spokesman Sgt. Steve McCarty said they are speculating that the fire was set in response to the on-going government shutdown.

There are no suspects, and no arrests have been made, McCarty said.

The incident is still under investigation.