The LA mayor’s office is silent on the bomb threat against a fire deputy on leave.
As wildfires ravaged Los Angeles, the city’s fire department chief was out of the picture — he was placed on administrative leave in December and is under investigation for making a bomb threat against City Hall earlier this year.
LA Vice Mayor Brian Williams’ Pasadena, California home was raided by the FBI last month in connection with an investigation into a bomb threat against City Hall in September. The Los Angeles Police Department referred the case to the FBI after determining Williams was the “source of the incident,” FOX 11 Los Angeles reported.
“Due to the department’s working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI,” the LAPD said in a statement at the time. “The FBI is still an investigative agency.”
Mayor Karen Bass’ office said Williams was placed on administrative leave immediately after the FBI notified the mayor of the search. This happened three weeks before the fire broke out in Los Angeles County, burning nearly four square miles of the city, the Associated Press reported.
LA’s vice mayor quit after the FBI raided his home for alleged bomb threats.
Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Brian K. Williams speaks during a graduation ceremony for LAPD recruits Class 11-23 on May 3, 2024 at the Los Angeles Police Academy. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Palisades and Eaton fires are still burning, despite the valiant efforts of firefighters and calm winds that have greatly slowed the spread. The fire killed at least 27 people and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings and homes. The fire is likely to be one of the most destructive in California history, according to the state’s fire agency, CalFire.
Bass, 71, was overseas on a diplomatic mission to Ghana when the first blaze broke out. She was part of the delegation that President Biden sent to the African country to honor Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. She was rushed home on a military plane shortly after the fire, but did not return to Los Angeles for a full 24 hours after the crash.
LA Mayor Karen Bass poses for photos at a cocktail party as the Palisades fire erupts
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has come under fire for her handling of the Los Angeles fire emergency. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Her initial absence drew heavy criticism from LA residents who questioned Bass’s leadership during the crisis. In that context, her decision to place Williams on administrative leave is also being reexamined.
The Los Angeles mayor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Bass appointed Williams as deputy mayor in February 2023 and charged him with overseeing the city’s public safety.
Former Obama staffer and liberal podcaster slams La Mayor for being overseas during wild pitches
Firefighter Danny Sackett, right, of the Kitsap County Fire Department from Bainbridge Island, Wash., stands at the scene of a religious monument collapse as hot spots and structural damage to homes destroyed by the Palisades Fire. in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, Friday, January 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Williams has been assigned to the city’s police department, fire department, Los Angeles Port Police, Los Angeles International Airport police and the city’s emergency management department, local news station KABC reported. Williams previously served as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission for seven years.
He served as Deputy Mayor under Mayor James Hahn, during which time he oversaw the Transportation, Public Works and Information Technology Agency.
Williams’ attorney, Dmitry Gorin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gorin previously issued a statement denying his client had anything to do with the bomb threat against the town hall.
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“Mr. Williams maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the charges. Importantly, he has not been arrested or charged and will continue to cooperate with the investigation through his attorneys. He has a long career of public service and is presumed innocent. We urge you to anticipate before it is known,” Gorin said last month.
The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.
