Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and her family narrowly escaped harm during a violent burglary at their official mayoral residence over the weekend. The suspect, Ephraim Matthew Hunter, a career criminal with a previous conviction for a brutal beating in Massachusetts, targeted the mayor’s home in what authorities believe was a deliberate act.
The incident occurred on April 21 at around 6:40 a.m. when Hunter smashed a rear glass door, causing significant damage estimated between $5,000 and $10,000. Mayor Bass, her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild were asleep inside the residence at the time. Prompt police response led to Hunter’s arrest within minutes of the break-in.
District Attorney George Gascón expressed relief that no harm came to Mayor Bass and her family, emphasizing the importance of safety and security for all residents, including public officials. Gascón stated that Hunter’s actions indicated he was aware of the mayor’s presence inside the residence, suggesting a targeted attack.
According to interim LAPD Chief Dominic Choi, Hunter exploited a gap in the security shift to gain access to the property. He swiftly jumped over the fence and broke into the house, bypassing any potential obstacles. However, authorities have not disclosed Hunter’s motive or whether he intended to harm Mayor Bass.
Hunter, who currently resides in Los Angeles, had a prior criminal record. In 2015, he was convicted for his involvement in a violent early morning attack in Massachusetts, where he was sentenced to 5-7 years in prison. Hunter’s family, however, claims he suffers from mental health issues and believed he was in danger, seeking refuge in the mayor’s house.
Charged with felony first-degree residential burglary with a person present and vandalism, Hunter is being held on $100,000 bail. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 13 years and 4 months in prison. Hunter is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 6.
This incident marks the second time in two years that Mayor Bass has been a victim of a home break-in. In a previous incident during her 2022 campaign, two individuals stole handguns from her house. The rise in crime in Los Angeles has become a growing concern, with critics pointing to District Attorney Gascón’s lenient approach to court cases and criminal justice directives as contributing factors.
