A deadly explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles killed three sheriff’s deputies Friday morning, marking the department’s deadliest incident since 1857.
The blast, reported shortly after 7:30 a.m. at the facility on North Eastern Avenue, occurred at a compound housing the Special Enforcement Bureau and bomb squad.
Sheriff Robert Luna identified the victims as members of the Arson/Explosives Detail with a combined 74 years of service. Their names were withheld pending notification to their families.
Preliminary reports indicate the deputies were handling explosives when the explosion occurred, though it remains unclear whether this was part of a training session or involved evidence handling. The incident is believed to be accidental, but the cause is still under investigation. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.
Luna said that the county is providing counseling for department employees and the families of the victims.
“This is an extraordinarily painful day for our Sheriff’s Department and for LA County,” County Supervisor Janice Hahn said, per ABC 7 Eyewitness News. “My prayers are with the families of the deputies and their colleagues in law enforcement who are reeling from this tragedy. I am offering my full support to our Sheriff Robert Luna and his department as they not only work to support our deputies but to investigate what went so wrong.”
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide detectives, Los Angeles Fire Department arson investigators, and the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad responded to the scene. The bomb squad worked to ensure that no additional explosive materials at the facility were at risk of detonation. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives also assisted, with two HAZMAT vehicles observed on-site.
“I just spoke to (US Attorney for the Central District of California Bill Essayli) about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X. “Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed.”
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed the involvement of the LAPD bomb squad, while Governor Gavin Newsom’s office stated it is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the Sheriff’s Department.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today at an L.A. County Sheriff’s Department facility,” said County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, per ABC 7. “My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time. We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead.”
County Supervisor Hilda Solis added, “I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred this morning at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Training Academy. My heart goes out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives in what appears to have been a devastating explosion.”
No other injuries were reported, and the devices involved in the blast were rendered safe by the LAPD bomb squad, according to Luna.