LOS ANGELES, CA- A city hall spokesperson confirmed that the home of Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brian Williams was searched by FBI agents as part of an investigation into a bomb threat made against City Hall.
According to CBS News, the search took place on Tuesday, December 17th, and the probe was in response to a bomb threat that Williams allegedly made against City Hall earlier in the year. Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said that after in incident, Williams was placed on administrative leave.
Seidl said that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigated the threat and determined that there was no "immediate danger." In a statement, the LAPD said that the "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."
In 2023, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass named Williams deputy mayor of public safety. He was responsible for LAPD, the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Port of Los Angeles Police, the Los Angeles World Airport Police, and the Emergency Management Department. Part of his role included advancing prevention and intervention strategies.
The Guardian reported that Williams' attorney, Dmitry Gorin, said that his client "strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations." In a statement, Seidl said, "The mayor takes this matter very seriously. When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation."
Williams has not been arrested or charged and Gorin said his client is cooperating with investigators. Gorin said, "He has a lengthy career of public service and is presumed innocent of these allegations." Williams has spent nearly two years as a deputy mayor in Bass' office, working in issues such as police hiring, public safety spending, and the search for a new police chief.
According to ABC7, the news shocked councilmembers, who have yet to comment on the matter. At the time of the incident, Bass said, "My number one job as mayor is to keep Angelenos safe. The only way to do that is to hold people who commit crimes accountable and to take real steps to prevent crime from happening in the first place."
Williams has represented Bass at several events, including in early December when he spoke on her behalf at the swearing in of new LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Williams was also a deputy mayor from 2001 to 2005 during the administration of then mayor James K. Hahn. Before that, Williams spent several years as an assistant city attorney in Los Angeles.
According to CBS News, the search took place on Tuesday, December 17th, and the probe was in response to a bomb threat that Williams allegedly made against City Hall earlier in the year. Deputy Mayor of Communications Zach Seidl said that after in incident, Williams was placed on administrative leave.
Seidl said that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) investigated the threat and determined that there was no "immediate danger." In a statement, the LAPD said that the "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."
In 2023, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass named Williams deputy mayor of public safety. He was responsible for LAPD, the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Port of Los Angeles Police, the Los Angeles World Airport Police, and the Emergency Management Department. Part of his role included advancing prevention and intervention strategies.
The Guardian reported that Williams' attorney, Dmitry Gorin, said that his client "strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations." In a statement, Seidl said, "The mayor takes this matter very seriously. When the threat was reported, LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. Following additional investigation, LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation."
Williams has not been arrested or charged and Gorin said his client is cooperating with investigators. Gorin said, "He has a lengthy career of public service and is presumed innocent of these allegations." Williams has spent nearly two years as a deputy mayor in Bass' office, working in issues such as police hiring, public safety spending, and the search for a new police chief.
According to ABC7, the news shocked councilmembers, who have yet to comment on the matter. At the time of the incident, Bass said, "My number one job as mayor is to keep Angelenos safe. The only way to do that is to hold people who commit crimes accountable and to take real steps to prevent crime from happening in the first place."
Williams has represented Bass at several events, including in early December when he spoke on her behalf at the swearing in of new LA County District Attorney Nathan Hochman. Williams was also a deputy mayor from 2001 to 2005 during the administration of then mayor James K. Hahn. Before that, Williams spent several years as an assistant city attorney in Los Angeles.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments