The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Tuesday that a man with a long criminal record was arrested on Monday for allegedly throwing multiple destructive devices outside the federal building in Los Angeles. The man reportedly shouted anti-immigrant and anti-Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) rhetoric during the incident.
The arrested man is 54-year-old Jose Francisco Jovel, who has a criminal record spanning nearly 40 years, including charges of attempted murder, armed robbery, and harassment or lewd conduct with victims under 18 years old.
According to the DHS statement, the suspect was carrying multiple makeshift incendiary devices when he arrived at the federal building housing the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in downtown Los Angeles.
A security guard heard him making derogatory remarks towards law enforcement officers on the sidewalk outside the building. Jovel then threw two Molotov cocktails at the guard stationed at the building, threatening to “riddle” all guards.
Jovel was arrested on the spot, and authorities found him in possession of four knives and a multi-tool plier. Fortunately, the Molotov cocktails were not ignited, resulting in no injuries or property damage.
Officials stated that this brazen attack occurred just days after two US Capitol Police officers were shot in Washington, D.C., highlighting an ongoing increase in attacks against federal officials, particularly escalating threats against ICE agents.
Assistant Secretary of DHS Tricia McLaughlin stated in a press release that federal law enforcement officers risk their lives daily apprehending murderers, rapists, and gang members. However, misleading reports from certain politicians and media outlets regarding ICE have led to a 1150% increase in attacks against law enforcement officers and an alarming 8000% surge in death threats.
“Our law enforcement officers face various threats, including vehicular assaults and premeditated shootings. These attacks stem from the hateful rhetoric spread by political figures, extremists, and media in sanctuary cities who use misinformation and false narratives to vilify law enforcement officers,” McLaughlin said. “Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has made it clear: anyone attacking law enforcement officers will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”