(The Center Square) – City of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brian Williams allegedly made a bomb threat against city hall earlier this year, and is now on leave.
Williams has served as Deputy Mayor of Public Safety since February 2023, overseeing the city’s law enforcement and first responder agencies, including LAPD and the Los Angeles Fire Department.
While the date and time of the alleged bomb threat was not disclosed, the Los Angeles Times reports federal agents searched Williams’ home on Tuesday.
“He was immediately placed on administrative leave,” said Mayor Karen Bass’s office in a statement. “When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI.”
According to an official submitted biography, Williams served 11 years as a Los Angeles Assistant City Attorney and tried more than 100 cases after earning his law degree at UCLA. After working as a city prosecutor, Williams was appointed as Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Transportation, Environment, and Infrastructure under Mayor James Hahn, after which he served as the first executive director of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department oversight commission.
Williams’ motive for the alleged bomb threat is unclear at this time.