During the 2023 mayoral runoff in Colorado Springs, three supporters of Mayor Yemi Mobolade staged a racist incident to boost his candidacy. Derrick Bernard Jr., Ashley Blackcloud, and Deanna West were indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for their involvement in the incident.
The trio spray-painted a racist slur on one of Mobolade’s campaign signs and set up a burning cross to create a false narrative. They then sent the image and video to local news outlets, leading to the publication of news stories based on the fabricated scene.
An investigation was launched by the Colorado Springs Police Department and the FBI following the staged incident. The indictment revealed that at least one of the supporters had interactions with Mobolade, including messages pledging support and discussing plans for the mayoral race.
Despite the controversy, Mobolade won the mayoral election and was sworn in as the first Black mayor of Colorado Springs. Bernard and Blackcloud have been arrested on federal charges, while West is currently a fugitive.
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