Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade faces pressure to plot racist attack to win election

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade is facing growing scrutiny after allegations surfaced connecting him to Derrick Bernard, a man indicted for staging a hate crime during Mobolade’s mayoral campaign.

Bernard, who is Black, reportedly defaced one of Mobolade’s campaign signs with a racial slur and set a cross on fire in what authorities have described as a hoax intended to boost the candidate’s political support.

The indictment against Bernard revealed communications between him and Mobolade, including a message on the day of the incident expressing confidence in the mayor’s victory.

Mobolade initially denied contact with Bernard in two FBI interviews but later claimed he could not recall specific details.

Despite these inconsistencies, the Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to prosecute Mobolade, citing political and racial considerations.

In a statement to the Colorado Springs Gazette, Mobolade denied involvement in the hoax but avoided directly addressing the allegations.

“My family and I are victims of a hate crime… I had no knowledge, warning, or involvement in this reprehensible act,” he said, accusing politically motivated websites of spreading misinformation.

City officials have expressed concern over Mobolade’s lack of transparency.

City Councilman Dave Donelson questioned whether Mobolade lied to the FBI, while County Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. called for clarity on the matter.

Mobolade’s office dismissed these accusations as “unfounded,” urging respect for the ongoing investigation.

Adding to the controversy, Bernard allegedly messaged Mobolade on election night, claiming responsibility for the victory and later requesting favours in return.

These revelations have intensified demands for Mobolade to address the allegations publicly.

Former prosecutor George Brauchler criticized the mayor’s handling of the situation in an op-ed for the Gazette.

“Lying to the FBI is a serious, go-to-prison crime,” Brauchler wrote, suggesting Mobolade’s refusal to issue a clear denial raises further doubts.

He also argued that the DOJ’s decision not to pursue charges undermines public confidence.