The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agents conducted a search at the home of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brian Williams on Tuesday, December 17, as part of an investigation into a bomb threat against the city government building. Williams is responsible for overseeing public safety at the city government building.
Mayor Karen Bass’s spokesperson, Zach Seidl, confirmed on Wednesday that the deputy mayor’s residence was searched and stated that the bomb threat occurred earlier this year. The Los Angeles Police Department swiftly investigated the threat and concluded that there was no immediate danger, leading to the case being handed over to the FBI.
Seidl stated in a press release, “The Mayor takes this matter very seriously.”
It is currently unclear on which date the bomb threat against the city government building occurred.
Officials from the city police department indicated in a statement that their preliminary investigation suggests Williams was “likely” the source of the bomb threat. The reason for transferring the case is due to the deputy mayor’s oversight of their department.
Subsequently, Williams has been placed on administrative leave.
The FBI is currently conducting an investigation into the matter. When asked for comment, an FBI spokesperson stated that it would be “inappropriate” to comment on the issue but confirmed that no arrests have been made.
Williams was appointed as deputy mayor by Bass in February 2023, overseeing public safety in the city, supervising the police department, fire department, Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles Harbor Police, and other departments. He previously served as deputy mayor during James Hahn’s mayoral tenure from 2001 to 2005, overseeing public affairs and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation. He is also a member of the Los Angeles Crisis Response Team and previously served as the Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission.
This marks the second peculiar public safety incident Mayor Bass has faced this year. Just in the spring, an intruder broke into the mayor’s residence. Such unsettling occurrences have raised concerns among the Los Angeles public regarding crime issues.