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While forest fires caused devastation los angelesthe city official in charge of the fire department was out, placed on administrative leave in December while he remains under investigation for an alleged bomb threat against City Hall earlier this year.
Deputy Mayor Brian Williams’ home in Pasadena, Calif., was raided by the FBI last month in connection with an investigation into a bomb threat made against City Hall in September. The Los Angeles Police Department referred the case to the FBI after it determined 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 is still the investigative agency.”
The mayor’s office, Karen Bass, said Williams was placed on administrative leave immediately after the FBI notified the mayor of the search. That was three weeks before the fires broke out in Los Angeles County, burning nearly four square miles of urban area, according to the Associated Press.
Los Angeles deputy mayor placed on leave after FBI raids home for alleged bomb threat
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Brian K. Williams delivers a speech during the graduation ceremony for LAPD Recruits 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 still burning, although the heroic efforts of firefighters and calming winds have greatly reduced the rate of spread. At least 27 people have died and more than 12,000 buildings and homes have been destroyed in the flames. The fires are likely to be among the most destructive in California’s history, state fire agency CalFire said.
Bass, 71, was overseas on a diplomatic mission to Ghana when the first flames were ignited. He was part of a delegation that President Biden sent to the African nation for the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. He returned home on a military plane shortly after news of the fire emergency reached him, but did not return to Los Angeles for a full 24 hours after the disaster.
SENIOR KAREN BASS POSED FOR PHOTOS AT A COCKTAIL WITH THE PALISADES FIRE
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing heavy criticism for her handling of the fire emergency in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
His initial absence has drawn harsh criticism from LA residents, who question Bass’s leadership amid the crisis. In that context, his decision to place Williams on administrative leave is also under new scrutiny.
The Los Angeles mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment.
Bass named Williams deputy mayor in February 2023 and tasked him with overseeing public safety in the city.
FORMER OBAMA EMPLOYER AND LIBERAL PODCASTER SLAMS MAYOR FOR BEING OVERSEAS DURING FIRES
Firefighter Danny Sackett, right, sets aside a religious statue from the rubble of a destroyed home, along with the Kitsap County fire crew from Bainbridge Island, Wash., as they check for spots heat and structural damage to homes destroyed by the Palisades fire. in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Friday, January 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Williams put himself in charge of the city police departmentfire 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 seven years as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s 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 the Information Technology Agency.
Williams’ attorney, Dmitry Gorin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Gorin previously issued a statement denying that his client had anything to do with the bomb threat against City Hall.
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“Mr. Williams firmly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations. Importantly, he has not been arrested, charged, and will continue to cooperate with the investigation through attorneys. He has a long career in public service and is presumed innocent We urge the public to allow the investigative process to unfold and not to prejudge the facts of this case before they are known,” Gorin said. month
The FBI did not respond to a request for comment.
