The Los Angeles deputy mayor has been put on leave following an inquiry that reportedly found he made a bomb threat to City Hall earlier this year.
FOX 11 in Los Angeles disclosed that the FBI raided the Pasadena, California residence of Deputy Mayor Brian Williams on Tuesday as part of the investigation into a bomb threat directed at City Hall in September. No arrests were made during the search.
On Wednesday, the office of LA Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement regarding Williams’ leave of absence.
“The Mayor’s Office has been informed that the FBI conducted a search at Deputy Mayor Brian Williams’ home yesterday as part of an investigation concerning a bomb threat he allegedly issued against City Hall earlier this year,” stated Zach Seidl, LA’s deputy mayor of communications, in a message to Fox News Digital. “He was promptly placed on administrative leave. The Mayor takes this issue very seriously.”
NEW LOS ANGELES DA PROMISES ‘HARD MIDDLE APPROACH’ TO RESTORE LAW POST-GEORGE GASCON’S TERM
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Brian K. Williams addresses the audience during the graduation of LAPD recruit class 11-23 at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Los Angeles, CA on May 3, 2024. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Seidl further mentioned that when the threat was reported, the Los Angeles Police Department looked into the situation and determined there was no immediate threat to the building.
Following a deeper investigation, the LAPD referred the case to the FBI.
NATHAN HOCHMAN REMOVES EMBATTLED LIBERAL PROSECUTOR GEORGE GASCON AS LA COUNTY DA AMID CRIME ISSUES
LA Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed that Deputy Mayor Brian Williams was suspended after an investigation regarding his alleged bomb threat to City Hall in September 2024. (Robert Gauthier/Los Angeles Times)
Authorities stated that an examination indicated Williams was likely the “source of the threat.”
“Given the department’s established relationship with Mr. Williams, the case was referred to the FBI,” the LAPD noted in their statement. “The FBI continues to oversee the investigation.”
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 02: A perspective of Los Angeles City Hall. Twin Towers Correctional Facility on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Los Angeles, CA. (Getty Images)
No further details regarding the ongoing investigation have been disclosed.
The station reported that Williams began serving in Bass’ office in March 2023 and was charged with collaborating with the police and fire departments, among other key safety agencies.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Before joining the Mayor’s office, he directed the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission for seven years.
