At least three Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were killed Friday in an explosion at a training facility, authorities said, as local and federal officials begin an investigation into the blast.
The explosion was reported around 7:30 a.m. on July 18 at the sheriff’s department’s Biscailuz Training Academy in East Los Angeles, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Three deputies were killed in the explosion and members of the department’s arson team were assisting in the investigation, said fire department spokesperson Erik Scott.
It remains unclear what caused the blast or whether anyone was injured. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has not confirmed the explosion or the reported deaths.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident “horrific” and said the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad was on scene. “The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of those impacted by this blast,” she said.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom said he has been briefed on the incident and that state’s Office of Emergency Services is has offered “full state assistance.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on X that federal agents, including members of the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were assisting in the response. She added that she has been in contact with Sheriff Robert Luna, U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli and others about the explosion.
“I just spoke with @USAttyEssayli about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles,” she said 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.”
‘Terrible tragedy’
Members of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the county’s governing board, released statements after the explosion, expressing grief at the loss of three deputies.
“I am deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred this morning at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Biscailuz Training Academy in East Los Angeles,” said Supervisor Hilda Solis. “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.”
County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said she was “heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today at an L.A. County Sheriff’s Department facility.”
“I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected,” she added in a statement. “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.”
This story will be updated as more information is released.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 LA County deputies killed in explosion at training facility
