Former L.A. Deputy Mayor Sentenced for False Bomb Threat

The ex-Deputy Public Safety Mayor of Los Angeles has faced the consequences of his actions related to a fake bomb threat made against City Hall, a decision that seems to have stemmed from his frustration with virtual meetings.

Brian Williams, once a senior aide to Mayor Karen Bass, received his sentence on Monday: one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine imposed by a U.S. District Court.

According to reports, Williams, aged 61, acknowledged that he received a call on a city-issued mobile phone from an unidentified individual in October 2024. This call erroneously spurred officers to respond, as the caller claimed he had planted a bomb at City Hall, specifically mentioning the Los Angeles Times building.

A former surveillance officer turned to the Google Voice app on his personal phone to instigate this hoax during a video conference, as detailed by prosecutors in a previous statement.

After that, he exited the virtual meeting and contacted the LAPD’s chief of staff, alleging he had been threatened with a bomb at Los Angeles City Hall.

Approximately ten minutes later, Williams texted Mayor Bass and several high-ranking officials, stating, “The Bomb Threat: I received a call on my city phone at 10:48 am this morning.”

In his message, he relayed the male caller’s words: “He’s tired of the city’s support in Israel and decided to put a bomb at city hall. It might be in the Rotunda.”

Williams mentioned that he had contacted the LAPD Chief of Staff, assuring them that a search of the building would be conducted to assess if any other individuals were at risk.

Nevertheless, prosecutors asserted that Williams fabricated the bomb threat without any actual intention to execute it.

Upon police arrival, the threat was quickly deemed unsubstantiated. Investigators later traced communications to blocked numbers, which were linked to Williams himself.

Additionally, he informed Mayor Bass and other senior officials that there was no immediate need for an evacuation, promising to meet with the threat manager shortly. He emphasized taking the situation seriously, especially considering the Jewish holidays.

In May, Williams pleaded guilty to a single charge concerning threats involving explosives. He was initially facing the possibility of ten years in prison.

His attorney, Dmitry Golin, cited “undiagnosed mental health challenges” faced by civil servants, mentioning his client’s treatment, as reported by the LA Times. Williams, overwhelmed by stress and anxiety, reportedly sought a way out of the ongoing meeting, leading to his ill-fated decision.

No prior criminal records or arrests were found for the former official.