The FBI searched the home of a Los Angeles deputy mayor as part of an investigation into a bomb threat made against City Hall, officials said Wednesday.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office said FBI agents searched the home of Brian Williams, the deputy mayor for public safety, on Tuesday as part of their investigation. The Los Angeles Police Department said Williams was “likely” behind the bomb threat.
It was not immediately clear exactly when or how the threat was made. A spokesperson for Bass said Williams was immediately placed on administrative leave after the FBI searched his home.
“Earlier this year, the LAPD responded to a bomb threat made against Los Angeles City Hall,” the police department said in a statement. “Our initial investigation revealed that the source of the threat was likely from Brian Williams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety. Due to the Department’s working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI. The FBI remains the investigating agency”
A spokesperson for the FBI’s Los Angeles field office declined to comment on the matter.
Bass announced Williams’ appointment in February 2023. At the time, Bass said the appointment was “a major step toward transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive approach to public safety” while keeping “community members feeling safe no matter where they are living in Los Angeles.”
Williams assumed the role after a stint as the executive director of the Los Angeles County’s Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. His experience in government goes back to serving as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, according to a news release, as well as time with the Office of the City Attorney as a special assistant city attorney.
Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said the Bass administration “takes this very seriously.”
“The Mayor’s Office was notified that the FBI searched the home of Deputy Mayor Brian Williams yesterday as part of an investigation into a bomb threat he allegedly made against City Hall earlier this year,” Seidl said.
Police investigating the threat found “no immediate danger,” Seidel noted.
