Los Angeles, California – A recent early morning burglary at Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass’ residence has left the community in shock. The suspect, Ephraim Matthew Hunter, a career criminal with a history of violence, smashed a rear glass door of the official mayoral residence while the mayor and her family were inside asleep. The incident took place on April 21, causing between $5,000 to $10,000 worth of damage.
Hunter, 29, was swiftly apprehended by the police after breaking into the residence. Mayor Bass, along with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, emerged unharmed from the intrusion. District Attorney George Gascón expressed relief that no harm came to the mayor and her family but vowed to ensure that the perpetrator faces justice for his actions.
According to Gascón, Hunter’s deliberate actions indicated that he was targeting Mayor Bass during the break-in. The suspect exploited a security shift gap to access the property, jumping over a fence and swiftly entering the rear of the house. The motive behind Hunter’s actions remains unclear, with no indication of whether he intended to harm Bass.
The suspect, who was previously convicted for a violent attack in Massachusetts, faces charges of felony first-degree residential burglary and vandalism. He is currently held on $100,000 bail and could receive a sentence of up to 13 years and 4 months in prison if convicted.
This is not the first time Mayor Bass has been a victim of a home break-in. In a previous incident during her 2022 campaign, two men stole handguns from her residence in Baldwin Vista. The burglars were sentenced to prison terms for their actions.
The burglary at Mayor Bass’ home underscores the rising crime rates in Los Angeles, prompting concerns about public safety and security. Gascón’s approach to criminal cases has faced criticism, with opponents challenging his leniency towards offenders, especially in gang-related cases.
As the investigation into the burglary continues, the community remains vigilant about ensuring the safety of its residents and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions. The court case against Hunter is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on May 6, shedding light on the importance of addressing criminal activities effectively to safeguard communities.