As wildfires wreaked havoc across Los Angeles, city employees in charge of the fire department went on leave in December and were absent from the scene as they were still under investigation for making a bomb threat against City Hall earlier this year. had been removed.
L.A. Deputy Mayor Brian Williams’ Pasadena, California, home was raided by the FBI last month in connection with an investigation into a bomb threat made to City Hall in September. According to a report from FOX 11 Los Angeles, the Los Angeles Police Department determined that Williams was likely a “source of threat” and referred the case to the FBI.
“Due to the department’s relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was referred to the FBI,” the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement at the time. “The FBI remains an investigative agency.”
Embattled Mayor Karen Bass’ office announced that Williams was placed on administrative leave shortly after the FBI notified the mayor of the search. It comes three weeks after a fire broke out in Los Angeles County, consuming about 4 square miles of urban areas, according to the Associated Press.
LA deputy mayor placed on administrative leave due to FBI raid on suspected bombing
Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Brian K. Williams speaks at the graduation ceremony for Los Angeles Police Department recruits classes 11-23 at the Los Angeles Police Academy on May 3, 2024 in Los Angeles. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images) )
The Palisades and Eaton fires are still burning, but their rate of spread has been significantly reduced due to the heroic efforts of firefighters and calming winds. The fire killed at least 27 people and destroyed more than 12,000 buildings and homes. The fire is likely to be one of the most destructive in California history, according to CalFire, the state fire marshal’s office.
Mr Basu, 71, was overseas on a diplomatic mission to Ghana when the first fire broke out. She was part of a delegation sent by President Biden to the African country for the inauguration of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. She was rushed home on a military plane as soon as word of the fire emergency arrived, but did not return to Los Angeles for a full 24 hours after the disaster occurred.
Palisade fire explodes, LA Mayor Karen Bass posed for photo at cocktail party
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has faced intense criticism for her management during the Los Angeles fire emergency. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Her initial absence prompted harsh criticism from Los Angeles residents who questioned Bass’ leadership during the crisis. In that context, her decision to place Williams on administrative leave is also coming under new scrutiny.
The Los Angeles mayor’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
Mr. Bass appointed Mr. Williams as deputy mayor in February 2023 and appointed him to oversee the city’s public safety.
Former Obama staffer and liberal podcaster accuses Mayor La of being overseas during wildfires
Firefighter Danny Sackett (right) sets aside a religious statue from the rubble of a destroyed home and joins the Kitsap County Fire Strike Team on Bainbridge Island, Wash., destroyed by the Palisades fire. We are currently identifying hot spots and structural damage in damaged homes. Friday, January 17, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)
Williams was put in charge of the city’s police department, fire department, Los Angeles Port Police Department, Los Angeles World Airport Police Department and the city’s emergency management division, local news station KABC reported. Mr. Williams previously served as executive director of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Civilian Oversight Commission for seven years.
He also served as Deputy Mayor under Mayor James Hahn, during which time he oversaw the Department of Transportation and the Office of Public Works and Information Technology.
Williams’ attorney, Dmitry Gorin, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Mr. Golin previously issued a statement denying that his client was involved in the bomb threat against City Hall.
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“Mr. Williams vehemently maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the charges. Importantly, he has not been arrested or charged and will continue to cooperate with investigations through his attorney. He has been in public service for a long time and is presumed innocent of the charges.”We urge the public to remain vigilant and allow the investigation to proceed before the facts of this case are known.” Gorin said last month.
The FBI did not respond to requests for comment.
Chris Pandolfo is a breaking news reporter for Fox News Digital. Send your tips to chris.pandolfo@fox.com and follow us on Twitter @ChrisCPandolfo.
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