On Dec. 6, Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade posted a video to Facebook addressing the alleged hate crime hoax, his cooperation with the FBI in the investigation, and what Mobolade called “the false claims” that have been “amplified by a small group of politically motivated individuals.” (For background, see “Colorado Spring Mayor affirms he cooperated in investigation, will answer questions when case is closed” in our Dec. 6 issue or on PikesPeakBulletin.org).
“The rumors have become so ridiculous that they’ve led to bogus reports and a Nigerian tabloid saying I was arrested by the FBI,” Mobolade said. “Because I respect the judicial process and this remains an active case, I have intentionally not engaged with the gossip and fallen into political rhetoric. I have also been seeking legal counsel so that I don’t unintentionally jeopardize the prosecution. Now that I have received the guidance I need – both from my personal attorney and the prosecuting attorney for the U.S. Attorney’s Office – I feel that I can publicly address what has become an unfortunate and unnecessary distraction.
“I fully and truthfully cooperated throughout this investigation. I had no knowledge, warning, or involvement in this crime. I did not lie to the FBI. I voluntarily provided all requested communication without a subpoena.”
I did not lie to the FBI – Yemi Mobolade
He also noted that the Department of Justice released a document noting that he was identified as a victim or potential victim in the criminal case. That document, which was provided by the City of Colorado Springs to the Bulletin, is dated Nov. 26 and advises Mobolade of his rights as a victim or potential victim under the Victims’ Rights and Restitution Act (VRRA), including notification of court events. It also notes that the trial is scheduled to begin on Jan. 21, 2025.
Mobolade addressed his communication with a suspect in the case, Derrick Bernard, Jr., which is documented in the hate crime hoax indictment, reiterating that he knew Bernard only as a local media personality.
He also noted the human impact that what he described as “politically motivated attacks” have had on his family, which includes young children. He said his wife, Abbey Mobolade, has fielded many calls from worried family and friends, including Mobolade’s parents “who understandably panicked when they read headlines alleging” Mobolade’s arrest.
“We have questioned our safety on more than one occasion,” Mobolade said before concluding the video with his vision and exhortation for a better civil discourse in Colorado Springs.
“We will be civil. We will put our city over party, people over politics, country over ideology,” he said.
He ended the video with his trademark sign off: “Onward and upward.”
Mobolade’s Dec. 6 video is available to watch on the Mayor Yemi Facebook page.
