A former aide to Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, who served as deputy mayor of public safety, has agreed to plead guilty to making a false bomb threat against Los Angeles City Hall last year, the Justice Department announced Thursday.
Bomb Threat Incident and Charges
On October 3, 2024, Brian Williams, 61, of Pasadena, used a virtual meeting tied to his duties to stage the threat. He called his city-issued cellphone from his personal phone using a Google Voice app, falsely claiming he received a bomb threat targeting City Hall.
- Williams then contacted the LAPD chief of staff to report the threat.
- He also texted Mayor Bass and several officials about the supposed bomb in the City Hall rotunda.
- Investigators confirmed Williams never received a real call and had fabricated the entire incident himself.
Williams faces a charge of “information with threats regarding fire and explosives,” punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
Reactions and Investigation Findings
Officials responded swiftly by searching City Hall, finding no explosives.
- Williams showed police a call log with a blocked number, which was actually the call he made to himself.
- Federal prosecutors noted that Williams had no intention of carrying out the threat but acknowledged the severity of his false claim.
- FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis condemned Williams for betraying the public trust and undermining the safety efforts of city officials and law enforcement.
Next Steps
Williams is expected to appear in court soon to formally enter his guilty plea, with sentencing to follow.
Information sourced from:
- U.S. Department of Justice
- Los Angeles Police Department
- FBI Los Angeles Field Office