A suspect in a recent break-in at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass's (D) home is thought to have been aiming at her, as per George Gascón, the Los Angeles County District Attorney, as reported by The Associated Press.
“We think he was aiming for the mayor,” Gascón said, as quoted by the AP. “We are assuming he knew it was her home.”
“We are relieved that there were no injuries and the mayor is safe,” Gascón continued.
Gascón stated that Ephraim Matthew Hunter has been charged with first-degree residential burglary and vandalism, as per the AP. Hunter, 29, broke a window early Sunday morning to enter Bass's official residence, as stated by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
“This morning around 6:40 AM, an intruder broke into Getty House through a window. Mayor Bass and her family were unharmed and are safe. The Mayor appreciates the LAPD for responding and apprehending the suspect,” stated Bass's office on Sunday.
Bass informed journalists on Monday that she is “fine” and her “family is fine,” as per the AP.
In a statement, the Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office, representing Hunter, said it “will ensure that Mr. Hunter gets a fair and thorough defense and a complete investigation into the circumstances leading to the allegations against him,” according to the AP.
LAPD interim Chief Dominic Choi informed reporters that Hunter broke into the residence when there were no security officers on the property, as per the AP.
The Hill has reached out to Bass’s office.
The Associated Press contributed.
