Authorities have named the individual suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a federal building, suggesting his actions were influenced by anti-immigrant enforcement beliefs.
The event took place on Monday, with the suspect identified as 54-year-old Jose Francisco Jobel. Officials have shared images capturing the moment he is believed to have carried out the act.
Bill Ezeiri, First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, stated in a release that the building targeted “houses the United States Attorney’s Office ICE and functions as a processing site for undocumented immigrants.”
“Jobel aimed at our immigration operations and wanted to make a political statement,” he added.
“Thankfully, the device didn’t ignite, and no injuries were reported. Jobel was promptly apprehended. Federal agents found additional Molotov cocktails among Jobel’s belongings,” Ezeiri noted, mentioning that Jobel was on “federal property.” He faces charges of attempted malicious damage to property, carrying a minimum penalty of five years and a potential maximum of 20 years in federal prison. This case remains under investigation, and more charges might be assessed.”
Ezeiri remarked that the incident “shows how misleading and hateful dialogue against federal law enforcement can lead to violence.”
“Irresponsible remarks from politicians and activists can have tangible consequences and need to cease,” he stressed.
Furthermore, Jobel reportedly referred to his actions as a “terrorist attack,” while echoing left-wing assertions regarding immigration officials “separating families.”
Related — Illegal driving semi with New York driver’s license detained
Additionally, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) mentioned that the suspect allegedly planned to escalate his actions by attempting to blow up the building.
According to the press release:
The suspect was detained and made further derogatory comments about ICE officers, expressing intentions to blow up the building and “spray” all the officers. Fortunately, the Molotov cocktail was not ignited, resulting in no injuries or damage to the federal property. At the time of his arrest, he also had four knives and Leatherman tools in his possession.
Los Angeles has witnessed several high-profile anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions, with incidents of violence against ICE occurring over the summer as the Trump administration continued its focus on criminal undocumented immigrants.
RELATED — Inside ICE’s Florida sweep targeting sex offenders
