Authorities report that three officers have died following an explosion at a law enforcement training facility in eastern Los Angeles.
The incident occurred at approximately 07:30 local time (15:30 BST) on Friday at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility, which houses the sheriff’s department’s special enforcement bureau and arson explosives detail, including the bomb squad.
While the precise cause of the explosion remains under investigation, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna characterized it as “an isolated incident.” No other injuries were reported.
Sheriff Luna stated that the three officers killed in the blast were “fantastic experts” and seasoned veterans of the department, each with between 19 and 33 years of service.
Officials have identified the deceased as detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn, all of whom were assigned to the sheriff’s department’s arson explosives detail.
Sheriff Luna noted that Friday’s incident marks the department’s largest loss of life in a single event since its establishment in 1857.
“We have to go back and investigate what happened from the very beginning,” Sheriff Luna stated. The FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives are assisting with the investigation.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as “horrific” and confirmed that federal agents have been deployed to the scene and are “working to learn more.”
Authorities have indicated that the explosion took place in the car park of the facility’s special enforcement bureau.
According to CBS, the BBC’s U.S. partner, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s bomb squad responded to a Santa Monica garage on Thursday where at least one grenade was discovered.
CBS, citing police sources, reported that the grenade was transported to the training facility on Friday, where officers were reportedly working to render it safe before it detonated.
The area surrounding the facility has been evacuated and remains sealed off as investigators continue their work at the scene.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has been briefed on the explosion and is “closely monitoring the situation,” according to a statement released by his office on X.
Newsom’s office added that state assistance has been offered to support the response to the incident.
Kathryn Barger, Chief of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, stated that she is “closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected.”
“My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time,” she added.