LA County Supervisor ‘Confident’ Sheriff Training Site Explosion Was Accidental: Live Updates

ATF offers condolences, ‘steadfast support’ to LA Sheriffs office

The ATF has offered its “heartfelt condolences and steadfast support” to the LA County Sheriffs after the deadly explosion/

“The ATF is ready to commit all necessary resources and lend our expertise to assist in determining the cause of this tragic incident,” the added in a statement.

Local media reports suggest cause for explosion

The cause of the explosion has not yet been officially confirmed, but multiple local news reports, citing law enforcement sources, say that the men had been moving an unexploded ordnance when it exploded.

The explosive had been brought back from what appeared to be a routine bomb squad call out on Thursday evening, according to reports from KTLA and ABC 7. It was believed to be inert when it exploded.

The explosion is believed to be an accident, local media reports.

LA County supervisor ‘confident’ cause will be confirmed as accidental

L.A. County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said on Friday that she is “confident” that the cause of the deadly training center explosion will be found as accidental.

“I think it’s important for the Sheriff’s Department, for Sheriff Luna to get out and dispel any rumors and also provide the facts and fill in the blanks on that,” she told KTLA on Friday.

“I am confident, though, that [accidental] is what the conclusion is going to be.”

Bondi says FBI, ATF on explosion scene and ‘working to learn more’

Attorney General Pamela Bondi described Friday’s explosion as “what appears to be a horrific incident.”

Bondi confirmed, in another post on X, that the FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on the scene and assisting with local officials and were “working to learn more.”

“Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed,” she said.

Possible training accident investigated as cause: Report

Investigators initially looked into if the explosion had been caused by a possible training accident, a law enforcement official told the Associated Press.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said the arson and explosives team undergoes in-depth training and responds to more than 1,000 calls a year.

Three three victims had more than 70 years combined experience in the department between them.

Friday’s explosion was one of LA County Sheriff’s worst ever losses of life

The deadly explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility on Friday, which killed three members of its arson and explosives unit, was one of the department’s worst losses of life from a single incident, the sheriff said.

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said all three victims were veteran deputies, serving19, 22 and 33 years in the department.

Deadly blast renews scrutiny of safety at L.A. sheriff’s training sites

The explosion that killed three deputies at the Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles has reignited concerns over safety at Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training sites. The department has faced at least four fires at its mobile shooting ranges over the past 12 years, including a 2023 incident at Pitchess Detention Center that left two deputies with third-degree burns.

Friday’s blast drew stunned onlookers to the perimeter of Eastern and Marianna avenues, where deputies had erected a barrier around the scene. With few official details released, speculation swirled among residents and workers in the area.

“I am shocked to hear that somebody was hurt,” said Delia Sanchez, a City Terrace resident who walks Eastern Avenue daily. “It’s peaceful here. I feel safe with them here.”

Others expressed confusion and concern. Luisa Lopez, who works at a nearby sheet metal facility, said the sound of the blast was drowned out by machinery, but the sudden rush of police vehicles signaled something serious. “We didn’t think anything of it because they pass all the time,” she said.

Sheriff’s Department confirms three fatalities in East L.A. training facility blast

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed that three deputies were killed Friday morning in a deadly explosion at the Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles. The incident occurred shortly after 7:30 a.m. in the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue and is being described as a “critical workplace incident.”

In a statement posted to social media, the department said homicide detectives are on the scene and that federal agencies, including the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation. Officials have not yet released the names of the victims or the cause of the explosion.

“This is still an active scene and further details will be forthcoming,” the department said.

Officials probe recovered materials in deadly L.A. sheriff’s facility blast

Investigators are examining whether explosive materials recovered a day earlier may have triggered the deadly blast at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility. The explosion, which killed three deputies Friday morning, has stunned the law enforcement community and prompted a multi-agency response.

Sources briefed on the investigation told CBS News that the materials involved did not appear to be part of an improvised explosive device, nor did the incident seem to stem from a training exercise gone wrong. The blast occurred at the Biscailuz Center in East L.A., where specialized units often conduct ordnance handling and bomb squad operations.

Sheriff Luna says blast marks deadliest day for department since 1857

Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed Friday that the deaths of three deputies in a training facility explosion represent the department’s deadliest single day in over 160 years.

Blast at L.A. County Sheriff’s facility leaves community reeling

A deadly explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility has left three deputies dead and sparked a sweeping investigation into what officials are calling a “staggering loss,” as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The blast, which occurred Friday morning at the Biscailuz Center in East L.A., shattered windows of nearby vehicles and prompted a rapid emergency response, including bomb technicians and federal agents.

Authorities quickly cordoned off the area, covering the blast site with a tarp as investigators combed through debris. A sheriff’s helicopter hovered overhead while civilian vehicles were directed out of the parking lot. Video footage showed a bomb technician in a blast suit removing material from the scene before returning to confer with investigators.

Former Sheriff Alex Villanueva described the arson explosives unit as one of the department’s most seasoned teams. “It’s gonna take a while to figure out how this happened, why this happened, could it have been prevented?” he told KTLA-TV.

The explosion has sent shock waves through the county, with officials and residents mourning the loss. Supervisor Kathryn Barger called the incident “heartbreaking,” adding, “My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.”

The cause of the explosion remains under investigation. Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are assisting in the response.

LA Mayor Karen Bass responds to incident: ‘Horrific’

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass confirmed Friday that the LAPD bomb squad has been dispatched to assist at the site of a deadly explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility. The blast, which occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Center in East Los Angeles, killed three deputies and injured another.

Bass called the incident “horrific” and said the city is supporting the response efforts. The LAPD team joins federal agents and arson investigators already on scene as officials work to secure the area and determine the cause of the explosion.

Deputies were moving recovered ordnance before the fatal LASD blast

Three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were killed Friday morning in an explosion at the Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles. According to multiple outlets, the blast occurred as deputies were handling unexploded ordnance recovered the night before.

Sources told The Los Angeles Times the materials were being moved when the explosion happened, while Fox News reported the ordnance had been retrieved Thursday evening.

Incidents have occurred at this facility in the past

Following Friday’s fatal explosion at the Biscailuz Training Center, renewed attention is being paid to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s history of safety incidents at its facilities. A sheriff’s helicopter hovered overhead as emergency vehicles flooded the scene and civilian cars were directed out of the parking lot.

The department has faced multiple hazardous events over the past decade, including at least four fires at mobile shooting ranges used for deputy firearms training. In 2023, two deputies sustained third-degree burns during a trailer fire at Pitchess Detention Center.

The latest tragedy has intensified calls for a review of safety protocols across LASD training sites.

Blast at LASD training site kills 3, FBI and LAPD respond

A deadly explosion rocked the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Training Center early Friday morning, killing three deputies. Sources told The Los Angeles Times the blast occurred as the bomb squad was moving explosive ordnance near the facility’s parking lot.

The LAPD’s bomb squad responded to secure the area, and the FBI deployed technicians to assist with the investigation. Witnesses reported hearing a massive boom around 7:30 a.m., followed by the shattering of glass and screams. An SUV parked roughly 25 yards from the blast site had its windows blown out.

Officials have covered the scene with a tarp as they work to determine the cause of the explosion. The area remains evacuated.

Kristi Noem confirms DHS response to deadly LASD explosion

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Friday that DHS is coordinating with state and federal law enforcement following a fatal explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility. In a post on X, Noem offered prayers for the victims and their families and pledged full support as the investigation unfolds.

FBI confirms response to the LASD blast, defers to local officials

The FBI has confirmed its involvement in the investigation of Friday’s deadly explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility.

In a statement to Newsweek, a spokesperson said the bureau has responded but is deferring to LASD for details, citing the sensitive nature of the incident.

The blast killed three deputies and is believed to have been a tragic accident.

WATCH: The deadly explosion that killed three deputies

LASD bomb squad explosion kills 3 deputies in East LA: Report

An explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Training Center in East Los Angeles killed three deputies early Friday morning. Sources say the blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. as the LASD bomb squad was moving explosive materials.

The facility houses the department’s Special Enforcement Bureau, arson detail, and bomb squad. Federal agents, including the FBI, are now assisting in the investigation, which officials believe may have been a tragic accident.

Bondi confirms federal response to deadly LASD explosion

Attorney General Pamela Bondi acknowledged Friday that federal agents are responding to a deadly explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility. In a post on X, Bondi said she spoke with U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada about the incident, which claimed the lives of at least three sheriff’s deputies.

Bondi called the event “horrific” and urged the public to pray for the victims’ families.

Newsom briefed on deadly LASD explosion

Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the fatal explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Special Operations Bureau in East Los Angeles, which claimed the lives of three deputies. In a statement posted by his press office, Newsom confirmed that the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services is in contact with LASD and has offered full state assistance.

FBI joins probe after deadly blast kills 3 LASD deputies: Report

Three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies were confirmed dead Friday morning following a devastating explosion at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East Los Angeles.

The blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. near a Bomb Squad vehicle, prompting an immediate response from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and federal authorities.

The FBI’s Los Angeles office has joined the investigation, though early reports suggest the incident may have been a tragic accident, per reports.

Three dead in explosion at LASD training facility

An explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East Los Angeles left three people dead Friday morning, according to multiple reports. The blast occurred around 7:30 a.m. near a Bomb Squad vehicle, prompting a swift response from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and the FBI.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the explosion, and details remain limited as the investigation continues. The facility, used for specialized law enforcement training, has been evacuated, and officials are working to determine whether hazardous materials were involved.

The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols at the site, and officials are expected to release more information as the situation develops.