The FBI has searched the residence of a Los Angeles deputy mayor in connection with a City Hall bomb threat investigation
On Wednesday, officials confirmed that the FBI conducted a search of a Los Angeles deputy mayor’s home as part of an inquiry into a bomb threat aimed at City Hall.
The office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass reported that FBI agents searched the residence of Brian Williams, who serves as the deputy mayor for public safety, on Tuesday during their investigation. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, it is believed that Williams “probably” made the bomb threat.
Details about when or how the threat was issued remain unclear. A representative for Mayor Bass stated that Williams was put on administrative leave right after the FBI conducted their search.
“Earlier this year, the LAPD responded to a bomb threat directed at Los Angeles City Hall,” the police department explained in a statement. “Our initial findings indicated that Brian Williams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety, was likely responsible for the threat. Given the LAPD’s professional relationship with Mr. Williams, the case was handed over to the FBI. The FBI is now in charge of the investigation.”
A spokesperson with the FBI Los Angeles field office chose not to provide any comment regarding the situation.
Mayor Bass appointed Williams in February 2023, describing it as “a significant move towards openness, accountability, and a holistic approach to public safety,” ensuring that “community members feel safe wherever they reside in Los Angeles.”
Williams took on this position after working as the executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. His governmental experience includes serving as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn and working with the City Attorney’s Office as a special assistant city attorney, according to a news release.
Zach Seidl, the Deputy Mayor of Communications for Los Angeles, emphasized that the Bass administration “takes such matters very seriously.”
“The Mayor’s Office was informed that FBI agents searched Deputy Mayor Brian Williams’ residence yesterday as part of an investigation into a bomb threat he is accused of making against City Hall earlier this year,” Seidl stated.
Seidl further mentioned that police looking into the threat found “no immediate danger.”
(This story has been updated with additional information.)