Who is Brian Williams? LA Deputy Mayor accused of making bomb threat against city hall

Brian Williams is the Executive Director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff Civilian Oversight Commission. This commission provides policy as well as recommendations regarding the department while working as a courtship between the department and the community. When James K. Hahn was elected as Los Angeles' Mayor, he appointed Williams as his Deputy Mayor.

Williams served as the Deputy Mayor for four years and worked for Los Angeles' transportation, infrastructure, and environment. He joined LA Mayor Karen Bass' office in March 2023 and was tasked to work closely with several safety departments, including police, fire, emergency, and Los Angeles World Airports police.

However, Williams is currently on administrative leave after his association with a bomb threat against City Hall.

Brian Williams' alleged bomb threat case explained

According to the Associated Press, the alleged bomb threat was made earlier this year, the Los Angeles Police Department confirmed.

In a statement, the department reported that the "initial investigation revealed that the source of the threat" was likely from Williams.

"Due to the Department’s working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI. The FBI remains the investigating agency."

Following the controversy, Williams' Dimitry Gorin released a statement and mentioned that the Deputy Mayor "strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations." Gorin also revealed that Williams was neither arrested nor facing any charges and cooperated with the investigators throughout the investigation.

"Importantly, he has not been arrested, nor charged, and will continue cooperating with the investigation through attorneys."

Gorin further mentioned how Brian Williams has had a lengthy career in public service. He also urged people not to prejudge Williams and wait for the investigation process to complete.

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."

Following the investigation, the Mayor's Office also released a statement which confirmed that Brian Williams was "immediately placed on administrative leave." The statement further mentioned that Mayor Karen Bass "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."

More information regarding the issue is still awaited. Whether Williams will resume his work has not been confirmed yet.