Los Angeles, California – A man suspected of breaking into the home of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass on Sunday had a troubled past, court records revealed. Ephraim Hunter, 29, previously faced charges of kidnapping and attempted murder in Massachusetts. The break-in occurred around 6:40 a.m. at the Getty House in Windsor Square where the mayor and her family were present, but no one was harmed and nothing was stolen, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Hunter, a resident of Los Angeles, was arrested on suspicion of burglary and was booked into custody Sunday afternoon. The case is currently under investigation by the LAPD’s elite Robbery-Homicide Division, with no charges yet presented to the district attorney’s office.
In a phone interview, Hunter’s mother shared that her son had been struggling with drug addiction and potentially experiencing hallucinations at the time of the break-in. She mentioned that Hunter believed someone was chasing him and that he sought refuge in the mayor’s residence unknowingly.
Law enforcement sources indicated that Hunter had climbed to the second floor of the home, prompting Mayor Bass to seek refuge in a secure location within the house. Detectives intend to pursue first-degree burglary charges against Hunter, with a legal case expected to be filed soon.
Hunter’s background in Massachusetts included a violent crime conviction in 2015 for assaulting a man with a deadly weapon. Despite his insistence on innocence, he served seven years in state prison before relocating to Los Angeles to start afresh. Reports suggest that Hunter’s behavior had been erratic in recent weeks.
Mayor Bass, addressing the incident at a news conference on her proposed city budget, reassured the public of her safety and pledged to prioritize community security. She acknowledged the ongoing investigation and emphasized the significance of budgetary investments in public safety.
Security measures have been heightened at the Getty House, with a 24-hour police presence implemented following the break-in. The LAPD continues to monitor the situation, and the investigation remains open to determine further details surrounding the incident.
In the midst of this alarming event, Mayor Bass remains focused on serving Angelenos diligently while ensuring her family’s well-being. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining personal safety amidst unforeseen security threats.