Overview
- Jose Francisco Jovel, 54, has been charged with attempted malicious damage of federal property and is set for an initial court appearance on Wednesday.
- Investigators say he threw two Molotov-style devices through employee and public entrances of the building at 300 N. Los Angeles St., where people were present, but no one was injured.
- Evidence indicates he tried to ignite at least one device, and officers recovered a lighter and five additional Molotov cocktails along with four knives and a Leatherman tool.
- According to the complaint, Jovel called the act a “terrorist attack” and told officers they were “separating families,” reflecting anger at immigration policies.
- Authorities say he had intentionally set his Koreatown apartment on fire hours earlier after an eviction notice, and the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force is leading the investigation with multiple agencies.