FBI agents search Los Angeles deputy mayor’s home following bomb threat at City Hall

FBI agents searched the home of a Los Angeles deputy mayor this week as part of an investigation into whether he made a bomb threat against City Hall, officials said .

A statement from Mayor Karen Bass’s office said she was informed of Tuesday’s search of the residence of Brian K. Williams, her deputy mayor for public safety, as part of an investigation into an alleged threat . The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed that officers responded “earlier this year” to a bomb threat at City Hall.

“Our initial investigation revealed that the source of the threat was likely Brian Williams, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety,” the department said in a statement Wednesday. “Due to the Department’s working relationship with Mr. Williams, the investigation was turned over to the FBI. The FBI remains the investigating agency.”

Williams’ lawyer, Dmitry Gorin, told the Los Angeles Times that his client “strongly maintains his innocence and intends to vigorously fight the allegations.”

Zach Seidl, a spokesman for Bass, said Williams was placed on administrative leave.

“The mayor takes this matter very seriously,” Seidl said in a statement. “When the threat was reported, the LAPD investigated and determined there was no immediate danger. After further investigation, the LAPD referred this matter to the FBI for further investigation.”

Messages were left Thursday for FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. Williams has not been arrested or charged, and Gorin said his client is cooperating with investigators.

“He has a long career in public service and is presumed innocent of these allegations,” Gorin said.

Williams spent nearly two years as a deputy mayor in Bass’ office, working on issues including police recruiting, public safety spending and the search for a new police chief .

He also served as deputy mayor from 2001 to 2005 during the administration of Mayor James K. Hahn. Before that, Williams spent several years as a deputy city attorney in Los Angeles, the Times said.