He/They Xe/She Arrested in Rural MI Upper Peninsula Community After Being Caught On Surveillance Camera Throwing Molotov Cocktail Into Local GOP Office [VIDEO] |

Molotov Cocktail Incident in Iron Mountain: A Political Statement Gone Awry

In a small town in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, a 19-year-old named Zayn Arcand, who identifies as “he/they xe/she” and labels himself a “demi boy, pansexual, emo artist and (high functioning) autistic,” found himself on the wrong side of the law after a peculiar act of political expression. Arcand, known as “Atomic Havoc” on social media, was arrested following an attempt to throw a Molotov cocktail into the local office of the Dickinson County Republican Party Committee.

According to the Iron Mountain Police Department, Arcand was caught on surveillance video around 3:55 PM attempting to ignite a makeshift incendiary device. Despite his efforts, the bottle didn’t catch fire, and he instead hurled it at the building, shattering the glass but avoiding any serious damage. Ironically, the very act meant to convey a political message ended in failure, leading to his arrest for manufacturing and possessing explosives, as well as arson.

Details from the Incident

On July 12, 2025, officers responded to reports of a suspicious individual near the Republican headquarters. Witnesses observed Arcand attempting to light a rag protruding from a glass bottle, which he later threw at the building when it failed to ignite. A second bottle was found nearby, containing an unknown liquid and also equipped with a rag.

Upon locating Arcand at his residence, he admitted to creating the Molotov cocktails in his driveway, asserting that he aimed to make a statement against perceived corruption.

The young man has now been charged with:

• Manufacturing and possessing an explosive device (MCL 750.211a)
• Arson – Preparation to burn property (MCL 750.79(d)(i))

Arcand’s actions have raised concerns among local residents and political figures alike, with the owners of the targeted building, Barb and Ray Broullire, expressing relief that the situation didn’t escalate further. Barb Broullire emphasized the need for accountability, questioning why Arcand specifically chose their office for his misguided protest.

The Broader Implications

While the immediate threat was neutralized, the incident underscores a troubling trend: the intersection of mental health issues and political violence. An examination of Arcand’s social media presence indicates potential struggles with mental health, a factor that often correlates with violent acts, particularly among isolated individuals driven to extremes by external influences.

This troubling reality echoes past events, such as the Whitmer kidnapping case, where vulnerable individuals were manipulated into committing serious crimes. It raises critical questions about the responsibility of public figures who, through incendiary rhetoric, may inadvertently encourage such violent expressions of dissent.

As the community processes this bizarre event, it serves as a stark reminder of the complex and often perilous relationship between political ideology and individual actions, particularly when mental health is at play. In a world where political messages increasingly blur the lines of public safety, the accountability of all involved, from the individuals to the influencers, becomes essential.

For a closer look at the surveillance footage of this surreal attempt at political protest, check out the video shared online.

19-yr-old He/They Xe/She Arrested in rural community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula after he was caught on surveillance video throwing a Molotov cocktail into a building where the local GOP Party Committee is located.

It is believed that his actions were politically motivated. pic.twitter.com/9PpzY5oa70

— PattyMI (@PattyLovesTruth) July 16, 2025