World

Three dead in LA sheriff's facility explosion: report

It is unclear what lead to the explosion, says report

By AFP & Reuters
July 18, 2025
Los Angeles County sheriff officers block the road to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility, where fellow officers were killed following an explosion, in East Los Angeles, California, US on July 18, 2025. — Reuters
Los Angeles County sheriff officers block the road to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility, where fellow officers were killed following an explosion, in East Los Angeles, California, US on July 18, 2025. — Reuters 

At least three deputies have been killed following an explosion at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department training facility, Fox News reported on Friday.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department confirmed that an explosion occurred at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training in East Los Angeles. The spokesperson said the cause was under investigation and that they were not yet ready to confirm any deaths or injuries.

The Los Angeles Times newspaper, citing unnamed sources, reported that a bomb squad was moving some explosives when the blast occurred.

An area where an explosion took place at a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Departments Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility is sealed off in east Los Angeles, California, US on July 18, 2025 in a still image from video. — Reuters
An area where an explosion took place at a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Biscailuz Center Academy Training facility is sealed off in east Los Angeles, California, US on July 18, 2025 in a still image from video. — Reuters 

US Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote on social media that she had spoken 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."

Bondi said that federal agents were at the scene and working to learn more.

California Governor Gavin Newsom's office said he had been briefed on "the reported explosion" and was "closely monitoring the situation."

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said "arson investigators and members of the LAPD bomb squad are assisting" at the scene in the Monterey Park area.

"The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of those impacted by this blast," she said on X.