FBI Arrests Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade Over Alleged Racist Attack Plot
The FBI has arrested Yemi Mobolade, the mayor of Colorado Springs, on charges related to an alleged scheme in which he and his associates staged a racist attack to garner support during his mayoral election campaign. Mobolade, an African immigrant and left-wing candidate, is accused of orchestrating a hate crime hoax to boost his chances in a tight runoff election against Republican Wayne Williams.
Three of Mobolade’s associates—Derrick Bernard Jr., Ashley Blackcloud, and Deanna West—are charged with vandalizing one of his campaign signs by writing a racial slur and placing a burning cross nearby. They reportedly filmed the incident and sent the footage to media outlets in an effort to rally Black voter turnout in Mobolade’s favor.
FBI investigators uncovered communications between Mobolade and Bernard before, during, and after the incident. Mobolade, who had initially denied any knowledge of the hoax, was later found to have lied to federal agents. He had allegedly downplayed his interactions with Bernard, despite evidence to the contrary.
As a result of the investigation and Mobolade’s actions during interviews, the FBI referred him to the Department of Justice for making false statements to federal investigators. Mobolade went on to win the election in the conservative-leaning city, defeating his white Republican opponent in a race that was heavily influenced by the alleged racially motivated incident.
The case has sparked controversy, with some officials noting that had the defendant been someone other than Colorado’s first Black mayor, charges might have been filed more quickly. Mobolade’s co-conspirator, Bernard, a convicted criminal, has a history of violent offenses, including a conviction for the murder of a rapper.
The investigation is ongoing, and Mobolade faces serious legal consequences, including potential charges related to the hoax and lying to federal authorities.
