FBI Raids Home of LA Deputy Mayor Over Alleged Bomb Threat

3 hours ago 3

What's New

The FBI searched the home of a Los Angeles deputy mayor on Wednesday after he allegedly made a bomb threat against City Hall.

Brian Williams, the city's deputy mayor for public safety, is being investigated for the alleged threat made earlier this year, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Newsweek reached out the Mayor Karen Bass' office and the Los Angeles Police Department for comment.

Why It Matters

Bomb threats targeting government buildings in the United States have become a persistent concern, challenging security measures and public safety efforts. Over recent years, these incidents have surged in frequency, disrupting operations at critical facilities such as courthouses, state capitals, and federal offices.

In 2020, the ATF reported 818 bomb threats; in 2021, 1,876 bomb threats; in 2022, 2,538 bomb threats; and in 2023, 3,203 bomb threats. The 2023 data reveals that most of these bomb threats (1,123) took place at an educational facility. The next largest category (503) happened at offices or businesses. Places of assembly had the third highest amount of bomb threats, and while the report does not provide a specific breakdown for government buildings, the inclusion of assembly locations—which can encompass government facilities—suggests that such buildings were among the targets.

What To Know

The LAPD identified Williams as the "likely" source of the alleged bomb threat in a statement to the L.A. Times. The investigation was taken over by the FBI due to the LAPD's "working relationship" with Williams.

Williams has been placed on administrative leave, according to the L.A. Times report.

The LAPD said it investigated the alleged bomb threat and determined there was "no immediate danger."

Williams was named to his position by Bass in February of 2023. His responsibilities included overseeing the police department, the fire department, the port police, the airport police and the city's emergency management agency.

While in office, he tackled several issues, including police hiring and public safety spending.

Prior to becoming deputy mayor of public safety, he served as the executive director of Los Angeles County's Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission for seven years. He also served as a deputy mayor under former Mayor James Hahn.

Williams was appointed alongside two Board of Police Commissioners.

"The appointments I'm making today represent a major step toward transparency, accountability and a comprehensive approach to public safety that includes a police department that protects the community and leaves community members feeling safe no matter where they are living in Los Angeles," Bass said when she announced the appointments.

What People Are Saying

Spokesperson for the mayor's office, in a statement to the L.A. Times: "The Mayor takes this matter very seriously. When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger."

The LAPD in a statement to the L.A. Times: "Earlier this year the LAPD responded to a bomb threat made against Los Angeles City Hall. Our initial investigation revealed that the source of the threat was likely from Brian Williams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety."