by Los Angeles, California — A man accused of hurling Molotov cocktails at security officers inside a downtown Los Angeles federal building earlier this month pleaded not guilty Monday, as prosecutors detailed what authorities described as a potentially deadly attack that narrowly avoided disaster.
The defendant, Jose Francisco Jovel, appeared for arraignment following his arrest in connection with the Dec. 1 incident at the Los Angeles Federal Building, located at 300 Los Angeles Street.
What prosecutors say happened at the federal building
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Jovel arrived at the federal building armed with multiple Molotov cocktails and began yelling anti-ICE remarks toward contracted protective security officers while standing on a nearby sidewalk.
Authorities allege Jovel then threw two incendiary devices through separate entrances — one employee entrance and one public entrance — inside the building. Investigators say he was also seen attempting to ignite another Molotov cocktail before officers intervened and took him into custody.
Federal officials later confirmed that none of the devices ignited, preventing injuries or damage to federal property.
Weapons found during arrest
DHS officials said Jovel was carrying four knives and a Leatherman multi-tool at the time of his arrest, adding to concerns about the seriousness of the threat.
“The suspect was taken into custody and stated that he wanted to blow up the building and ‘spray down’ all the officers,” DHS officials said, noting he continued making derogatory comments about ICE officers during the arrest.
Authorities said the situation could have turned catastrophic had the devices ignited inside the occupied building.
Justice Department calls it a ‘terrorist attack’
In a statement released the day after the incident, the U.S. Department of Justice said Jovel himself described his actions as “a terrorist attack.”
Federal prosecutors said Jovel told investigators he was motivated by anger toward the federal government’s immigration policies and actions.
“This case exemplifies how misleading and hateful rhetoric against federal law enforcement can and does result in violence,” said Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California.
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L.A. mayor condemns incident
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass strongly condemned the attack, expressing relief that no one was hurt.
“I am deeply alarmed by the incident that occurred at the Federal Building,” Bass said. “This type of behavior is absolutely unconscionable.”
City officials said coordination between federal and local agencies helped ensure the suspect was taken into custody quickly.
Apartment fire allegedly set before attack
Federal officials later revealed that Jovel allegedly set fire to his Koreatown apartment shortly before the Molotov cocktail incident, reportedly because he was facing eviction.
The fire occurred in the 100 block of North Westmoreland Avenue, according to authorities. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed that no one was injured in the blaze.
Investigators are continuing to review the timeline to determine whether the apartment fire and the federal building incident are directly connected.
Defendant’s criminal history outlined
Court documents indicate the 54-year-old defendant has a lengthy criminal history, including:
- An attempted murder charge in 1987
- An armed robbery charge in 1991
- A 2007 charge involving annoying or molesting a victim under 18
Federal prosecutors cited this history when arguing that Jovel poses a significant public safety risk.
Charges and potential sentence
Jovel is charged with attempted malicious damage of federal property, a serious federal offense. He is currently being held without bail, according to court records.
If convicted, he faces between five and 20 years in federal prison.
Following his not-guilty plea on Monday, Jovel’s next court date is scheduled for Feb. 10, when the case is expected to move forward toward pretrial proceedings.
Ongoing investigation and security concerns
Federal authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed but said the investigation remains active. Officials are also reviewing security protocols at federal buildings nationwide amid rising concerns about threats against government facilities.
The incident has renewed discussions about federal building security, political extremism, and the risks faced by frontline security personnel.
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