A 29-year-old man has been charged with burglary in connection with a break-in at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ official residence. The incident occurred over the weekend while the mayor, her daughter, son-in-law, and newborn grandson were inside the house. The suspect, Ephraim Matthew Hunter, faces felony counts of burglary and vandalism, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office.
During a news conference, District Attorney George Gascón stated that they believe the suspect was targeting the mayor. Evidence suggests that the suspect knew he was in the mayor's home and was looking for her. The investigation is ongoing, and it is unclear why Hunter would have been targeting the mayor.
Hunter allegedly entered the home by smashing a rear glass door, causing significant damage estimated between $5,000 and $10,000. His hand was cut during the break-in, leaving blood stains throughout the house. The criminal complaint alleges that Hunter entered the home with the intent to commit larceny and other felonies.
Hunter pleaded not guilty during his arraignment and is being held with bail set at $100,000. If convicted, he could face a prison sentence of up to 13 years and four months. This is not the first time Bass has been the victim of a home break-in. In a previous incident in 2022, a different home she was living in was burglarized.
No one in Bass’s family was harmed during the recent break-in, and the mayor expressed gratitude to the LAPD for their response. Gascón emphasized the importance of swiftly bringing the perpetrator to justice and holding them accountable for their actions.
The mayor's official residence, the Getty House, is a historic Tudor-style home located in the Windsor Square neighborhood. The district attorney's office is fully committed to ensuring the safety and security of public officials and their families in Los Angeles.
