FBI Agents Search Home of L.A. Deputy Mayor Over City Hall Bomb Threat

FBI agents searched the home of a Los Angeles deputy mayor on Tuesday as part of an investigation into whether he made a bomb threat against City Hall, officials said.

Zach Seidl, a spokesperson for Mayor Karen Bass, said she was notified that the search took place at the home of Brian K. Williams, her deputy mayor for public safety, as part of an investigation into a bomb threat Williams “allegedly made” this year.

In a separate statement, the Los Angeles Police Department identified Williams as the “likely” source of the bomb threat.

“Earlier this year the LAPD responded to a bomb threat made against Los Angeles City Hall,” the department’s statement said. “Our 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.”

Williams has been placed on administrative leave, said Seidl, who declined to provide additional details.

“The Mayor takes this matter very seriously,” he said. “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.”

FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller declined to comment, saying the agency cannot confirm or deny any investigation. Williams’ attorney, Dmitry Gorin, said his client “strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations.”

“Importantly, he has not been arrested, nor charged, and will continue cooperating with the investigation through his attorneys,” Gorin said. “He has a lengthy career of public service and is presumed innocent of these allegations.”

As news of the investigation spread Wednesday, some who have worked with Williams expressed incredulity at the allegation. Pastor Xavier Thompson of Southern Missionary Baptist Church on West Adams Boulevard said Williams has been a “model public servant” — someone who has acted with “integrity in the highest manner.”

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