The FBI referred Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade for prosecution over alleged false statements related to a staged hate crime during his campaign. Despite evidence of Mobolade’s communications with the lead suspect, the Department of Justice declined to pursue charges, reportedly citing racial and political concerns, according to an FBI official.
On November 12, Acting U.S. Attorney for Colorado Matt Kirsch announced charges against three of Mobolade’s supporters for staging a hate crime aimed at boosting his candidacy. The incident involved burning a cross near one of Mobolade’s campaign signs and sending footage to the media to mobilize black voters. Mobolade, an African immigrant, won the election over a white Republican in the conservative-leaning city of Colorado Springs.
During the FBI’s investigation, communications showed Mobolade was in contact with lead suspect Derrick Bernard before, during, and after the staged incident. Mobolade denied this when questioned by the FBI, despite evidence of multiple messages between him and Bernard. According to an FBI official, Mobolade was seen scrolling through his phone during the interview but “skipping over” relevant texts, not knowing the FBI had already obtained them.
The FBI’s findings led to a referral for charges against Mobolade for making false statements. However, the DOJ declined to pursue the case, allegedly stating concerns over indicting Colorado Springs’ first black mayor. Mobolade was later interviewed a third time, during which he primarily responded with “I do not recall”—a stark contrast to his previous denials.
The hate crime hoax occurred between Colorado Springs’ general election on April 4 and a May 16 runoff, where Mobolade secured victory. The FBI’s probe revealed additional communications between Mobolade and Bernard, raising further questions. On April 23, the night of the staged incident, Bernard sent Mobolade a message pledging to secure victory. Three days later, the two spoke on the phone for five minutes.
Local and federal law enforcement launched a thorough investigation, initially treating the hoax as a serious hate crime. The NAACP called for a full investigation, while Mobolade’s campaign urged caution, suggesting it was likely a hoax. Mobolade has yet to clarify why he suspected the incident was staged.
Following Mobolade’s election win, Bernard allegedly sent Mobolade another message expressing congratulations and hinting at “favors” in return. Bernard and his associates were eventually charged with using interstate communication to convey a threat and spread false information. However, they were not charged with a hate crime or election interference.
After the case details were made public, Mobolade denied knowledge of Bernard’s involvement, claiming their interactions were limited to Bernard’s role as a local media personality. He did not respond to further requests for comment.
