Los Angeles, California – A man suspected of breaking into the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has a criminal history that includes charges of kidnapping and attempted murder in Massachusetts, according to court records.
The incident occurred at Getty House in Windsor Square early Sunday morning, with the intruder, identified as 29-year-old Ephraim Hunter, allegedly smashing through a window and gaining entry while Bass and some of her relatives were inside. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that Hunter was apprehended without any injuries or stolen items. He was later booked on suspicion of burglary.
Hunter’s mother revealed in a phone interview that her son had been battling drug addiction and possibly experiencing hallucinations at the time of the break-in. She mentioned that Hunter claimed he was fleeing from someone who was threatening him with a gun when he entered the mayor’s residence without realizing whose house it was.
Authorities have not disclosed a motive for the break-in, but sources suggest that Hunter managed to reach the second floor, prompting Bass to seek refuge in a secure area within the house. Detectives are preparing to present first-degree burglary charges to prosecutors, and a criminal case is expected to be filed soon.
Court records indicate that Hunter, originally from Massachusetts, served time in state prison for assault with a deadly weapon after being involved in a violent incident in 2015. Despite his release, Hunter’s mother mentioned that he had grown increasingly erratic in recent weeks, leading up to the break-in.
Mayor Bass, speaking at a press conference about the proposed city budget on Monday, reassured the public that she and her family were unharmed, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring the safety of the city’s residents. She declined to comment further on the incident or speculate on whether she was specifically targeted.
Following the security breach, security measures have been bolstered at Getty House, with a 24-hour security operation in place. The LAPD is maintaining a visible presence in the area to prevent any further incidents.
As the investigation continues, details are still emerging about the events that transpired during the break-in at the mayor’s residence in Los Angeles.