A 54-year-old man was taken into custody after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails at the Los Angeles Federal Building, according to authorities. No injuries were reported in the incident.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that security guards heard a man making derogatory remarks about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement outside the federal building in downtown Los Angeles on Monday. The individual then threw two incendiary devices at the guards.
“Fortunately, the bottles were not lit and did not catch fire and there were no injuries or damage to federal property,” according to a statement from DHS.
FBI spokesperson Laura Eimiller identified the suspect as Jose F. Jovel of Los Angeles. She said FBI agents arrested Jovel, and that federal prosecutors were expected to file a criminal complaint on Tuesday.
At the time of his arrest, Jovel had four knives in his possession, according to DHS. The department also noted that he has an “extensive criminal history,” including an attempted murder charge dating back to 1987.
It was unclear whether Jovel had legal representation as of Tuesday. The Federal Public Defender’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding whether it would represent him.
Messages seeking further information were sent to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed concern about the event.
