Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, who won his mayoral race after a supposed racist hate crime targeted him, now faces shocking allegations from a convicted defendant who claims the mayor himself orchestrated the entire incident as an election stunt.
Key Takeaways
- Derrick Bernard Jr., recently convicted in a hate crime hoax trial, testified that Mayor Yemi Mobolade was involved in planning the staged incident involving a burning cross and defaced campaign sign during the 2023 mayoral race.
- FBI Special Agent Ethan Doherty testified that Mobolade initially denied having phone contact with Bernard, but evidence later contradicted this claim, raising questions about the mayor’s truthfulness.
- The Justice Department reportedly declined to indict Mobolade for false statements despite evidence of discrepancies in his testimony, raising concerns about political motivations.
- City Councilman Dave Donelson has called for a thorough investigation into Mobolade’s potential involvement in the hoax that may have helped propel him to victory in a traditionally Republican stronghold.
- Bernard claimed Mobolade promised to direct city funds to his radio station and to “squash” any investigation in exchange for helping stage the incident.
Startling Trial Testimony Implicates Mayor
The federal trial of Derrick Bernard Jr. and Ashley Blackcloud has revealed explosive testimony claiming Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade was not just aware of but actively participated in planning a hate crime hoax that may have helped secure his 2023 election victory. Bernard, who along with Blackcloud was found guilty of conspiracy and maliciously conveying false information, testified that Mobolade orchestrated the hoax involving a burning cross and defaced campaign sign to generate sympathy and boost his mayoral campaign in the traditionally conservative city.
Bernard’s testimony included claims that Mobolade promised to protect those involved from prosecution and to direct city funds to Bernard’s radio station once elected. When asked directly about the mayor’s involvement, Bernard said “Who knows? Maybe he did it,” while maintaining, “I truly was not present that night. I wasn’t.” The prosecution characterized Bernard as someone who “had nothing to lose” by making these claims, yet the specificity of his allegations and corroborating evidence has raised serious concerns.
FBI Evidence Contradicts Mayor’s Claims
FBI Special Agent Ethan Doherty provided testimony that casts doubt on Mobolade’s version of events. According to court records, Mobolade initially denied having any phone contact with Bernard around the time of the incident but later changed his story when confronted with evidence. This contradiction in the mayor’s statements to federal investigators could potentially constitute making false statements to the FBI, though prosecutors have not pursued charges on this front.
“I did not lie to the FBI,” Mobolade has insisted in response to the allegations, maintaining he was “120% sure” he was a genuine victim of a hate crime rather than a participant in staging one. However, a Justice Department document indicated Mobolade was under investigation at one point, with the case being closed but potentially subject to reopening if new evidence emerged.
“I had guarantees I would not be bothered,” said Bernard referring to alleged promises from Mobolade about protection from prosecution. These statements align with evidence suggesting Mobolade attempted to downplay the incident and discourage a thorough investigation once it began to unravel.
Political Fallout and Calls for Investigation
The revelations have sent shockwaves through Colorado Springs, where Mobolade made history as a Nigerian immigrant winning the mayoral race in what has traditionally been a Republican stronghold. City Councilman Dave Donelson has called for a comprehensive investigation into the mayor’s potential involvement in the hoax, questioning why the Department of Justice declined to pursue charges against Mobolade despite evidence suggesting he made false statements to investigators.
“My wife and I are grateful that justice has been served with today’s guilty verdict for Ashley Blackcloud and Derrick Bernard. This moment brings a sense of closure and relief, not only for our family, but for the Colorado Springs community as a whole. We deeply appreciate the work of the judicial system, federal prosecutors, law enforcement, and everyone who worked diligently to bring this case to justice. Moments like this remind us that hate has no home in our city. As we move forward, we do so with gratitude, healing, and a commitment to the values that make Colorado Springs a safe, just, and united community,” said Mobolade in a statement following the verdicts.
Internal emails revealed Mobolade’s team attempted to discredit media reports about his contradictory statements to the FBI, with the mayor warning that “politically motivated websites will weigh in with no regard for accuracy or truth.” These defensive moves have only intensified scrutiny as citizens question whether their mayor potentially exploited racial tensions to win an election and whether federal authorities have shown political favoritism by declining to pursue charges against him despite evidence of false statements.
