Brian K. Williams (Photo – Screengrab)
Brian K. Williams, 61, a Pasadena resident and former high-ranking official in both Pasadena and Los Angeles, has pleaded guilty to federal charges stemming from a false bomb threat he made while serving as Los Angeles Deputy Mayor of Public Safety.
By News Desk
Williams admitted to fabricating a bomb threat targeting Los Angeles City Hall in October 2024, prompting a police sweep of the building and a response from top city officials—even though he knew the threat was fake.
He is charged with one felony count of making threats involving fire and explosives, a crime that carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison. He is expected to appear in federal court in downtown Los Angeles in the coming weeks.
Prior to his time in Los Angeles City Hall, Williams served as Assistant City Manager in Pasadena, where he oversaw police, fire, planning, utilities, and human resources. He is married to Brenda Harvey-Williams, Pasadena’s current Assistant City Manager.
“In an era of heated political rhetoric that has sometimes escalated into violence, we cannot allow public officials to make bomb threats,” said United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “My office will continue its efforts to keep the public safe, including from those who violate their duty to uphold the law.”
According to court documents, Williams used a Google Voice app on his personal cellphone to place a call to his city-issued phone during a virtual meeting on October 3, 2024. He then falsely claimed to have received a bomb threat from an anonymous caller upset over the city’s support for Israel. Williams relayed the fabricated threat to LAPD and the Mayor’s Office, triggering an investigation and a sweep of City Hall.
Authorities later determined that Williams had made the call himself. Officials said he never intended to carry out an attack.
“Mr. Williams, the former deputy mayor of Public Safety for Los Angeles, not only betrayed the residents of Los Angeles, but responding officers, and the integrity of the office itself, by fabricating a bomb threat,” said FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis. “Government officials are held to a heightened standard as we rely on them to safeguard the city. I’m relieved that Mr. Williams has taken responsibility for his inexplicable actions.”
A former Deputy Mayor under then-Mayor James K. Hahn, Williams previously served for over a decade in the L.A. City Attorney’s Office and has been active in the academic and civic community. He holds degrees from UCLA and has taught at UCLA, USC, and Loyola law schools.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office National Security Division and investigated by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, with assistance from the LAPD.
Williams’ sentencing date has not yet been set.
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