Former LA deputy mayor admits to creating bomb threat hoax

In Los Angeles, on October 3, 2024, Brian K. Williams, a former deputy mayor of public safety, orchestrated a bomb threat against City Hall. He sent a text message to Mayor Karen Bass and other officials claiming he had received a threatening call from someone who intended to bomb the building. Williams fabricated an entire story, stating that the caller was motivated by discontent over the city’s support of Israel and suggested the bomb might be placed in the rotunda. L.A. police responded swiftly, sending officers to search the premises, but they found no suspicious packages or threats. Upon investigation, it was discovered that Williams had made the entire threat himself via a call placed through the Google Voice app on his personal phone. He falsely reported receiving a call from an unknown individual and even showed police a call record that turned out to be a self-placed call. This deception led to his rapid placement on administrative leave following an FBI investigation conducted at his home in December 2024. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli highlighted the serious implications of such actions, condemning the potential for political discourse to escalate into violence and emphasizing the need for accountability among public officials. Williams now faces a felony charge of making an explosives threat, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in federal prison. As further legal proceedings evolve, Williams is expected to appear in federal court shortly. His actions have not only raised alarm but have also eroded public trust in government officials tasked with ensuring the safety of their constituents. The Justice Department's determination to uphold the law in the face of such cowardly actions reflects a broader commitment to maintaining safety and order in public sectors.