A Los Angeles man is in custody for allegedly hurling homemade Molotov cocktails into a downtown federal building Monday in what investigators say was a self-described “terrorist attack” that appeared to be over Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deportations, Fox News has confirmed.
The unidentified suspect attempted to detonate the devices, but they did not ignite, investigators said. The suspect allegedly had additional suspected Molotov cocktails in his possession.
No injuries were reported. The suspect is expected in court Tuesday afternoon, when formal charges would be filed.
Federal investigators said the man appeared to be motivated by his anger at the federal government over immigration enforcement activities. After his arrest, the suspect allegedly told federal agents they were “separating families” and added, “this is a terrorist attack anyways,” and, “I attacked your b—- a–.”
Authorities said that before the suspect went to the federal building Monday morning, he intentionally lit his rented apartment on fire. Los Angeles Fire Department crews responded, and an arson investigator determined an accelerant was used in that fire.
The federal building in downtown Los Angeles houses the U.S. Attorney’s office and ICE, among other agencies, and is where the processing of many illegal immigrants takes place.
The suspect was accused of throwing one of the Molotov cocktails into a door marked as an employee entrance, investigators said, adding that the incendiary device broke into pieces, had charring on it and was believed to be lit on fire. The suspect then allegedly threw a second Molotov cocktail through a separate public door where people were lining up to go through security.
Investigators determined each Molotov cocktail was made of a breakable container and contained a wick. According to a test, the devices contained hand sanitizer or ethanol —considered capable of igniting.
The incident comes after hundreds of anti-ICE agitators were caught on video throwing trash cans and debris at officers near a government building in New York City on Saturday. Police confirmed multiple arrests were made in relation to that attack.
