Tag Archives: lapd investigation

Los Angeles Deputy Mayor Pleads Guilty to Faking City Hall Bomb Threat

A former deputy mayor in Los Angeles is facing sentencing Monday after pleading guilty to falsely reporting a bomb threat to City Hall last year. Brian K. Williams, 61, of Pasadena, admitted in June to a single federal count of making threats involving fire and explosives.

Story Highlights

Brian K. Williams, former deputy mayor of Los Angeles, pleaded guilty to faking a bomb threat at City Hall.
Threat reported on Oct. 3, 2024; Williams falsely claimed an anonymous caller threatened City Hall over the city’s support of Israel.
LAPD searched Los Angeles City Hall but found no explosives; the call was fabricated.
Williams retired quietly in April 2025 and admitted no intent to carry out the threat.
Previously served under Mayor James Hahn and as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.
FBI emphasized the breach of trust and responsibility for public safety officials in Los Angeles.

Williams’ actions sent shockwaves through Los Angeles city government, raising concerns about the integrity of public safety leadership. While serving as Mayor Karen Bass’ deputy mayor of public safety, Williams claimed he received a bomb threat on his city-issued phone from an unknown caller on Oct. 3, 2024.

According to his plea agreement, about ten minutes after the alleged call, Williams sent a text message to Mayor Bass and other top city officials. In the message, he wrote:

“Bomb threat: I received phone call on my city cell at 10:48 am this morning. The male caller stated that he was tired of the city support of Israel, and he has decided to place a bomb in City Hall. It might be in the rotunda. I immediately contacted the chief of staff of LAPD; they are going to send a number of officers over to do a search of the building and to determine if anyone else received a threat.”

Williams continued to update officials throughout the morning. In one message, he reassured them that no evacuation was necessary, stating:

“At this time, there is no need for us to evacuate the building. I’m meeting with the threat management officers within the next 10 minutes. In light of the Jewish holidays, we are taking this threat a little more seriously. I will keep you posted.”

Responding quickly, Los Angeles Police Department officers arrived at City Hall to investigate. The building was searched thoroughly, but no suspicious packages or devices were found. Williams showed officers the record of the incoming call, which appeared as a blocked number.

Federal prosecutors revealed, however, that the incoming call was not from a threatening caller. It was a call that Williams had placed to himself from his personal cell phone. At no time did Williams intend to carry out the threat.

Williams quietly retired from Los Angeles city government in April 2025. Prior to his departure, he had been placed on administrative leave while the FBI launched an investigation into the bomb threat.

Williams joined Mayor Bass’ office in March 2023 and worked closely with critical safety departments, including the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles World Airports police, and emergency services. Before this role, he spent seven years as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. He also previously served as a deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, overseeing the Department of Transportation, Public Works, and Information Technology Agency.

Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles bureau, said:

“Mr. Williams, the former deputy mayor of public safety for Los Angeles, not only betrayed the residents of Los Angeles but also responding officers and the integrity of the office itself by fabricating a bomb threat.”

He added, “Government officials are held to a heightened standard as we rely on them to safeguard the city. I’m relieved that Mr. Williams has taken responsibility for his inexplicable actions.”

The case highlights the severe consequences of misusing positions of authority in Los Angeles and the importance of maintaining trust in city leadership.

Appreciating your time:

We appreciate you taking the time to read our most recent article! We appreciate your opinions and would be delighted to hear them. We value your opinions as we work hard to make improvements and deliver material that you find interesting.

Post a Comment:

In the space provided for comments below, please share your ideas, opinions, and suggestions. We can better understand your interests thanks to your input, which also guarantees that the material we offer will appeal to you. Get in Direct Contact with Us: Please use our “Contact Us” form if you would like to speak with us or if you have any special questions. We are open to questions, collaborations, and, of course, criticism. To fill out our contact form, click this link.

Stay Connected:

Don’t miss out on future updates and articles.

South Los Angeles Shooting Case Remains Unsolved; LAPD Offers $50K Reward

Man Killed in Early-Morning Los Angeles Fashion District Shooting — LAPD Investigates

Story Highlights

Where: Los Angeles Fashion District, downtown LA (11th & Los Angeles Streets)
When: About 5 a.m. Sunday morning
What: One man shot to death, identity pending
Who: Six suspects in dark clothing fled in a vehicle
Source: LAPD Media Relations, Officer Norma Eisenman

The LAPD’s Media Relations Section confirmed that officers were dispatched after receiving a call about gunfire in the area. The caller, who identified himself as the victim’s brother, reported that his sibling had been shot.

“We received a call at approximately 5 a.m. about a male shooting victim at 11th and Los Angeles Streets,” Officer Norma Eisenman said in a statement.
“Six suspects wearing dark clothing were seen fleeing the location in a vehicle. No further information is available at this time.”

Police have not yet confirmed whether the victim died at the scene or after being transported to a hospital. His identity has not been released pending notification of family.

The Los Angeles Fashion District shooting has raised concerns about safety in a neighborhood known for its bustling markets and early-morning deliveries. Residents and business owners, many of whom were setting up for the day, expressed unease over the violence.

While detectives gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses Sunday, officials urged anyone with information about the suspects or vehicle to come forward.

This Los Angeles Fashion District shooting underscores the ongoing challenge of preventing violent crime in downtown Los Angeles. Authorities continue to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the incident.