While forest fires wreaked havoc Los Angeleswas the city official in charge of the fire department out of the picture – he was placed on administrative leave in December while he remains under investigation for an alleged bomb threat against City Hall earlier this year.
L.A. Deputy Mayor Brian Williams’ home in Pasadena, California, was raided by the FBI last month in connection with the investigation into a bomb threat made against City Hall in September. Los Angeles police referred the case to the FBI after determining Williams was likely the “source of the threat,” 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 remains the investigative agency.”
Embattled Mayor Karen Bass’ office said Williams was placed on administrative leave immediately after the FBI notified the mayor of the search. That happened three weeks before the fires broke out in Los Angeles County, destroying nearly four square kilometers of urban areas, according to the Associated Press.
LA deputy mayor placed on leave after FBI raids on home over alleged bomb threat
Vice Mayor for Public Safety Brian K. Williams speaks during the graduation ceremony for LAPD recruit class 11-23 at the Los Angeles Police Academy in Los Angeles on May 3, 2024. (Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
The Palisades and Eaton Fires are still burning, although heroic efforts by firefighters and calming winds have significantly reduced the spread. At least 27 people have been killed and more than 12,000 buildings and homes have been destroyed by the fires. The fires are likely among the most destructive in California history, according to the state fire agency CalFire.
When the first flames ignited, Bass, 71, was abroad on a diplomatic mission to Ghana. She was part of a delegation that President Biden sent to the African country for the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. Shortly after news of the fire emergency reached her, she rushed home on a military plane, but she did not return to Los Angeles for 24 hours after disaster struck.
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Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is coming under heavy criticism for her management of the Los Angeles fire emergency. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Her initial absence has drawn harsh criticism from LA residents, who have questioned Bass’ leadership during the crisis. In that context, her decision to place Williams on administrative leave is also under renewed scrutiny.
The Los Angeles mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Bass appointed Williams deputy mayor in February 2023, charging him with overseeing public safety in the city.
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Firefighter Danny Sackett, right, sets aside a religious statue from the rubble of a destroyed home, along with the Kitsap County fire team from Bainbridge Island, Washington, as they check for 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 was put in charge of the city police stationThe fire department, the Port of Los Angeles Police Department, the Los Angeles World Airport Police and the city’s Emergency Management Department, local news station KABC reported. Williams previously served for seven years as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission.
He also served as deputy mayor under Mayor James Hahn, during which time he oversaw the Department of Transportation, Public Works and Information Technology Agency.
Williams’ attorney Dmitry Gorin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gorin previously released a statement denying that his client had anything to do with the bomb threat against City Hall.
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“Mr. Williams strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations. Importantly, he has not been arrested or charged, and will continue to cooperate with the investigation through attorneys. He has a long career in public service and is presumed innocent of We urge the public to allow the investigation process to proceed and not to prejudge the facts of this case before they are known,” Gorin said previous month.
The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.
