Man charged after allegedly throwing Molotov cocktails inside downtown L.A. federal building

Federal prosecutors say a 54-year-old man, identified as Jose Francisco Jovel, was arrested Monday after allegedly throwing two Molotov cocktails inside the main entrance of the federal building at 300 N. Los Angeles Street in downtown Los Angeles. He now faces a federal charge of attempted malicious damage to federal property — a crime that carries a potential 5- to 20-year prison sentence.

According to the Justice Department’s complaint, Jovel first set fire to his apartment in Koreatown roughly four hours before the attack. When he arrived at the federal building, he allegedly lit the bottles and threw them through the open door, past people waiting lines at security. Investigators later found a lighter and five additional Molotov cocktails in his bag. In his alleged statement, he reportedly called the act a “terrorist attack.”

Surveillance footage reportedly shows flames mid-flight, though thankfully none of the devices appeared to ignite anything inside. Law enforcement officials emphasized that the attackers’ motives are being investigated and that no one was physically harmed.

Authorities described the incident as particularly serious given Jovel’s long criminal history — including multiple felony convictions stretching back decades and a juvenile murder charge noted in court records.

Officials, including the city’s mayor, said they’re relieved no one was injured. They also underscored the importance of law enforcement vigilance while the case moves forward.

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