Explosion at LA County Sheriff's Department facility leaves 3 deputies dead, sources say
Multiple deputies are dead after an explosion at an LASD facility on Friday morning around 7:30 a.m. local time. The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Los Angeles office is investigating.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) confirmed multiple deputies are dead after an explosion Friday morning at the agency's Special Operations Bureau in East Los Angeles.
The explosion, which happened at about 7:25 a.m. local time at the Biscailuz Training Center, killed at least three sheriff's deputies, LASD sources told Fox News.
The fallen deputies' identities were not immediately confirmed.
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Sources said the explosion was not part of a planned training exercise, and it appears an accident occurred while deputies were moving ordnance on the training facility property.
However, they noted it is uncommon for the arson and explosives detail to use live ordnance, so it is unclear what exploded.
It is also unknown if the explosion happened within the arson and explosives truck, or beside it.
Ambulances were requested for injuries and the facility was evacuated, according to L.A. County Fire.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Los Angeles confirmed it is responding.
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote in a series of X posts that she spoke with Bill Essayli, U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, and L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna regarding the "horrific incident."
"I just spoke to @USAttyEssayli about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles," Bondi wrote. "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."
The L.A. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is also on the ground to support, according to Bondi.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed DHS is working with state and federal law enforcement in relation to the incident.
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California Gov. Gavin Newsom has been briefed, according to his press office.
The Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) is in contact with the sheriff's department and closely monitoring the situation. Cal OES offered full state assistance.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Erik Scott confirmed LAFD's arson and ATF members are assisting with the investigation.
"We stand with our brothers and sisters of the @LASDHQ following the tragic loss of three deputies in a training facility explosion," Scott wrote in an X post. "Our thoughts are with all of those impacted by this blast."
Nearly five hours after the explosion, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass posted on X, saying the City of L.A. is supporting the sheriff's department.
"The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of those impacted by this blast," Bass wrote.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also weighed in on social media, offering his family's prayers.
"Any loss of life in law enforcement is a sad and difficult circumstance," Kemp wrote in a post. "Marty, the girls, and I are saddened by the tragedy at the @LASDHQ Sheriff’s Office and are praying for the families of those killed in today’s accident."
Fox News Digital's Tessa Hoyos contributed to this report.
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