LOS ANGELES, California — A 54-year-old man from Koreatown has been charged with throwing Molotov cocktails at security officers inside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles. The attack is believed to be motivated by anti-immigration enforcement sentiment, according to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office.
Jose Francisco Jovel was arrested Monday and faces charges of attempted malicious damage of federal property. He is expected to make his initial appearance on Wednesday in United States District Court in Los Angeles. “This case exemplifies how misleading and hateful rhetoric against federal law enforcement can and does result in violence,” said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “Irresponsible rhetoric by politicians and activists have real-world consequences. It must stop.”
The incident occurred after Jovel allegedly set his Koreatown apartment on fire following an eviction notice. He then arrived at the Federal Building in downtown Los Angeles with multiple shopping bags, according to an affidavit filed with the complaint. The building houses several federal agencies, including United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)…