Introduction to the Incident
FBI agents were investigating an apparent attempted firebombing at a federal building in Downtown Los Angeles, and its possible connection to an arson fire earlier in the day in Koreatown, several law enforcement sources told NBC4 Investigates.
Details of the Attempted Firebombing
LA City firefighters were dispatched to the federal building at 300 N. Los Angeles St. at 8:36 a.m. Monday after someone dropped or threw a molotov-cocktail-type device near the front of the building, but it did not ignite, authorities said.
Response and Investigation
A hazardous materials squad was dispatched to examine the contents of the liquid that was left behind, and there were no injuries, according to a call record. The man who brought the item to the building, identified by authorities as Jose F. Jovel, 54, was booked into federal custody, according to federal jail records.
Connection to Another Incident
Before the Los Angeles St. incident Monday firefighters responded to a fire inside an apartment in the 100 block of North Westmoreland Ave. in the Koreatown area around 4:00 a.m. That fire was extinguished, and it’s now being investigated by local and federal agencies as a suspected arson, the sources said, as it is the apparent residence of the man arrested at the federal building.
Ongoing Investigation
The US Attorney’s Office said a criminal complaint was expected to be filed Tuesday, and that Jovel is a US citizen. The events were being investigated by the Joint Terrorism Task Force, they said.
Conclusion
The attempted firebombing at a federal building in Downtown Los Angeles and its possible connection to an arson fire in Koreatown are under investigation by the FBI and other agencies. The incident highlights the importance of vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies in preventing and investigating such crimes.
FAQs
- Q: What happened at the federal building in Downtown Los Angeles?
A: There was an attempted firebombing using a molotov-cocktail-type device, but it did not ignite. - Q: Is anyone in custody?
A: Yes, Jose F. Jovel, 54, was booked into federal custody. - Q: Is this incident connected to another event?
A: Yes, it is being investigated in connection with a suspected arson fire in Koreatown earlier in the day. - Q: Which agencies are investigating?
A: The FBI, local law enforcement, and the Joint Terrorism Task Force are involved in the investigation.
