LA deputy mayor placed on leave after allegedly making bomb threat against City Hall

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Brian Williams has been placed on leave following an investigation into a bomb threat he allegedly made against City Hall earlier this year.

The FBI raided his Pasadena home Tuesday in connection with the investigation. No arrests have been made at this time. 

The alleged bomb threat was made in September and Williams has been on leave since then. 

The Mayor's Office released the following statement that reads in part, "He was immediately placed on administrative leave. 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."

According to a Los Angeles Police Department statement, the agency's initial investigation determined 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," LAPD said in a statement. "The FBI remains the investigating agency."

"No additional information is being released," the LAPD added.

A neighbor of Williams said making a bomb threat is uncharacteristic of him.

Williams' attorney released a statement saying, "Mr. Williams 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 attorneys. He has a lengthy career of public service and is presumed innocent of these allegations. We urge the public to allow the investigation process to play out and not to prejudge the facts of this case before they are known."

Williams joined Bass' office in March 2023. He was tasked with working closely with critical safety departments such as police, fire, Los Angeles World Airports police, and emergency. Prior to his appointment, Williams served seven years as the executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.

Williams also previously served as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, where he was responsible for the management and oversight of the Department of Transportation, Public Works and Information Technology Agency.