Ex-LA deputy mayor of public safety sentenced for calling in fake bomb threat to get out of virtual meeting

Brian Williams, a former Los Angeles deputy mayor responsible for public safety, faced sentencing for making a false bomb threat to City Hall, a desperate attempt to escape a virtual meeting.

During a session in front of the U.S. District Court on Monday, Williams, who previously served as a senior aide to LA Mayor Karen Bass, was sentenced to one year of probation, 50 hours of community service, and a $5,000 fine.

The 61-year-old admitted to misleading police in October 2024 by claiming he had received a call on his city-issued phone from an unidentified individual stating that a bomb had been placed in City Hall, according to the Los Angeles Times reported. 

According to prosecutors, Williams utilized a Google Voice app on his personal phone to make the bomb threat call to his city phone during a video meeting.

Following this, he exited the virtual meeting and contacted the Chief of Staff of the LAPD, claiming he had received a bomb threat.

About ten minutes later, Williams texted the Mayor of Los Angeles and other key officials, stating, “Bomb threat: I received a phone call on my city cell at 10:48 am this morning.”

He relayed that the caller expressed frustration with the city’s support of Israel, declaring, “he has decided to place a bomb in City Hall. It might be in the rotunda.”

Williams further informed, “I immediately contacted the chief of staff of LAPD; they are going to send officers over to search the building and check if others received a threat.”

However, it was revealed that Williams had fabricated the threat—he never intended to act on it, as per prosecutors.

When law enforcement arrived, they confirmed there was no credibility to the threat. Further investigation traced the call’s origin to a blocked number placed by Williams to himself.

He also messaged Mayor Bass and other officials, assuring them, “At this time, there is no need for evacuation. I’m meeting with the threat management officers shortly. Given the Jewish holidays, we are considering this threat more seriously. I will keep you updated.”

In May, Williams agreed to plead guilty to a count of threats related to fire and explosives. He could have faced up to ten years in prison.

His attorney, Dmitry Gorin, stated that Williams was experiencing “undiagnosed mental health challenges,” for which he has sought treatment, according to the LA Times.

Prosecutors noted he reported the false threat after feeling overwhelmed by stress and anxiety and seeking an exit from the meeting.

The former public official has no prior criminal record.

With contributions from Post wires.