Los Angeles deputy mayor on leave amid FBI probe into fake bomb threat

Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brian Williams is on leave after the FBI raided his home Tuesday, Dec. 17, the office of Mayor Karen Bass confirmed. Williams has served as deputy mayor of public safety since February 2023, overseeing the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) and the Los Angeles Fire Department.

Authorities accuse him of making a fake bomb threat against Los Angeles City Hall in September.

A spokesperson for Bass said Williams was “immediately placed on administrative leave.” The spokesperson also said that Bass “takes this matter very seriously.”

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The LAPD stated that its initial investigation indicated Williams was likely the “source of the threat.”

“Due to the department’s working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI. The FBI remains the investigating agency,” LAPD said in the statement.

Meanwhile, Williams’ attorney, Dmitry Gorin, told The Los Angeles Times that his client “strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations.”

Authorities have not arrested Williams or charged him with any crime.