Colorado Springs Mayor Faces Scrutiny Over Ties to Alleged Hate Crime Hoax

Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade is facing growing pressure from local officials to clarify his connections to Derrick Bernard, a man recently indicted for orchestrating a hate crime hoax during Mobolade’s mayoral campaign.

Bernard, who is Black, reportedly defaced a campaign sign with a racial slur and staged a cross-burning incident. Prosecutors allege the act was intended to generate sympathy and support for Mobolade’s candidacy.

Court documents reveal Bernard communicated with Mobolade about the staged event, even sending a message on the day of the incident predicting Mobolade’s victory. Despite these revelations, the mayor has denied any involvement.

Initially, Mobolade told FBI investigators he had no contact with Bernard. However, he later amended his statement, claiming he could not recall specific interactions. The Department of Justice (DOJ) declined to prosecute Mobolade, citing political and racial sensitivities.

In a statement to the *Colorado Springs Gazette*, Mobolade condemned the allegations but stopped short of refuting all the details. “My family and I are victims of a hate crime... I had no knowledge, warning, or involvement in this reprehensible act,” he said. He also accused politically motivated groups of spreading misinformation.

City Councilman Dave Donelson and County Commissioner Longinos Gonzalez Jr. have publicly demanded answers. Donelson posed a pointed question: “Did he lie to the FBI in those two interviews?” Mobolade’s office dismissed the accusations as “unfounded” and urged respect for the ongoing investigation.

Former prosecutor George Brauchler weighed in with sharp criticism in a *Gazette* op-ed, asserting that “lying to the FBI is a serious, go-to-prison crime.” He argued Mobolade’s ambiguous responses only deepen public suspicion and called the DOJ’s handling of the case a blow to community trust.

Further fueling the controversy, reports indicate Bernard messaged Mobolade on election night to claim credit for the mayor’s win. Bernard allegedly sought political favors in the aftermath, a revelation that has intensified calls for the mayor to address his role in the scandal.

As pressure mounts, city leaders and residents are demanding greater accountability from Mobolade, whose response to the allegations remains under intense scrutiny.