The FBI has raided the home of the Democratic deputy mayor of Los Angeles, who police say is the “likely” source of a bomb threat at City Hall earlier this year.
Federal agents searched the home of Brian Williams on Tuesday in connection with the bomb threat, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Police Department later released its own statement saying Williams was “likely” the source of the threat.
“Earlier this year, the LAPD responded to a bomb threat against Los Angeles City Hall,” the department said. “Our initial investigation has determined that the source of the threat was likely 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 investigative agency.”
The date and time of the threat remain unclear, but a spokesperson for Bass noted that the LAPD investigated it at the time and found no immediate threat to the public.
No arrests have been made in connection with the bomb threat, but Williams has now been placed on administrative leave. according to Fox11.
Bass’ office noted that she “takes this matter very seriously” while she was a spokesperson for the FBI argued against KTLA that it would be ‘inappropriate’ to comment further on the matter.
Brian Williams, Los Angeles’ deputy mayor for public safety, is accused of making a bomb threat at City Hall earlier this year
Mayor Karen Bass’ office confirmed Wednesday that the FBI raided Williams’ home. They are seen along with Gene Seroka, Executive Director of the Port of Los Angeles (right), aboard the battleship USS Iowa to officially announce the start of LA Fleet Week in 2023.
Bass was appointed Williams’ deputy mayor for public safety in February 2023.
“My primary job is to keep Angelenos safe,” Bass said in a statement at the time. according to ABC7.
“The only way to do that is to hold people who commit crimes accountable and take real steps to prevent crime from happening in the first place.”
Williams’ duties include overseeing the Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles Fire Department and the various police departments that patrol Los Angeles International Airport and the Port of Los Angeles.
During his time as deputy mayor, Williams also worked on issues such as police hiring, public safety spending and the search for a new police chief. reports the Los Angeles Times.
Williams had previously served seven years as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission, and previously served as deputy mayor under former Mayor James Hahn.
In that position, he oversaw public works management and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.
DailyMail.com has also contacted the FBI for comment.