Los Angeles, California – A man previously charged with kidnapping and attempted murder in Massachusetts was arrested on suspicion of breaking into the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Ephraim Hunter, 29, allegedly smashed through a window and entered the Getty House in Windsor Square early Sunday morning while Bass and several of her relatives were inside. The Los Angeles Police Department reported that Hunter was apprehended without incident, and fortunately, no injuries occurred, and nothing was stolen.
Hunter, a Los Angeles resident, was booked on suspicion of burglary following the incident. The LAPD’s elite Robbery-Homicide Division is currently investigating the matter, and no charges have been presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office yet. According to a woman who identified herself as Hunter’s mother, he was struggling with drug addiction and possibly experiencing hallucinations when he broke into the mayor’s residence.
The motive for the break-in has not been disclosed by investigators, but according to two law enforcement sources, Hunter managed to reach the second floor of the home, prompting Bass to seek refuge in a secure area. Detectives plan to bring first-degree burglary charges against Hunter and expect a criminal case to be filed soon. Records show that Hunter, originally from Massachusetts, had a prior conviction for assault with a deadly weapon and served time in state prison for the crime.
Hunter’s mother revealed that after his release from prison in Massachusetts, she encouraged him to make a fresh start in Los Angeles, where his brother resided. She described him as a kind and loving person whose life had spiraled out of control due to drug use and incarceration. Despite his troubled past, she insisted that he had no intention of entering the mayor’s house and was merely seeking shelter out of fear.
Following the incident, Mayor Bass reassured the public that she and her family were unharmed. She emphasized her commitment to ensuring the safety of Angelenos and expressed gratitude to the LAPD for their swift response. A 24-hour security operation has been implemented at Getty House to prevent future intrusions. The investigation into the break-in remains ongoing, with authorities working to determine the full extent of the situation.
In light of this unsettling event, questions have arisen about public safety in the city, especially given that this marks the second break-in at Bass’s residence in recent years. Despite facing inquiries about potential targeting, the mayor declined to provide further comments on the matter. As the community grapples with concerns about security, local officials continue to prioritize measures to safeguard residents and prevent similar incidents from occurring.