Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Robert Clark as the new deputy mayor for public safety. Clark, a former FBI official, will oversee police and fire issues in the city. His appointment comes after his predecessor, Brian K. Williams, was placed on administrative leave due to allegations of making a bomb threat against City Hall.
The Los Angeles Police Department identified Williams as a likely suspect in the bomb threat that occurred last year. The case was referred to the FBI for further investigation. While Williams has maintained his innocence through his lawyer, no charges have been filed against him yet. He remains on the city payroll but is expected to retire soon.
Clark began his new role on Monday. He will be involved in helping the city recover from the recent Palisades fire. Mayor Bass has highlighted a decrease in homicides and shootings in Los Angeles, which adds to the significance of Clark’s new position.
Before joining the mayor’s office, Clark had a notable career with the FBI, where he led anti-gang efforts in Los Angeles. He has spoken about his background, sharing that he grew up in a challenging environment marked by violence and crime. His father, a nightclub owner, was murdered when Clark was just 12 years old. This upbringing has motivated him to work towards improving the community.
After leaving the FBI in 2016, Clark took on various roles, including serving as a law enforcement consultant and director of public safety for Columbus, Ohio. He also appeared on the CBS reality show "Hunted," where he led a team in a manhunt.
As Clark steps into this important role, he brings a wealth of experience and a personal commitment to public safety in Los Angeles.