At the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) training facility in East L.A. on Friday morning three deputies were found dead by explosion, marking the deadliest single incident in the department’s history since its founding in 1850.
The blast occurred just before 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy, a specialized facility that opened in 2017 to train law enforcement personnel. The explosion rocked the Special Enforcement Bureau’s parking lot, an area used by the department’s elite Arson Explosives Detail.
During a somber press conference, L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the fatalities but declined to go into specifics about the incident, citing an active and ongoing investigation. “There’s a lot more that we don’t know than we do know,” Luna said. “But our intent is to look at this from the very beginning and figure out exactly what caused this tragic event.”
The 3 dead deputies were identified as Detectives Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Victor Lemus, and William Osborn. Sheriff Luna praised the fallen officers as “fantastic experts” and noted that, combined, they had over 74 years of service with the department. “These were elite, dedicated professionals who put their lives on the line every day,” he said.
According to senior law enforcement sources, the LASD’s bomb squad had responded Thursday to a report of a grenade discovered in a garage in Santa Monica. The device was recovered and transported to the Biscailuz facility for safe handling. Officials now believe the explosion may have occurred during efforts to neutralize or render the grenade safe.
While investigators have not yet confirmed whether the device from Santa Monica directly caused the blast, they have stated that the explosion happened during what appeared to be a bomb-handling procedure. Law enforcement quickly responded to the facility to secure the scene and later returned to the Santa Monica residence to search for additional explosives. That task force included members of the FBI, ATF, LAPD Bomb Squad, and the LASD.
Authorities evacuated residents from the apartment complex where the grenade was initially found and are working to relocate them while the investigation unfolds. No suspects have been publicly identified, and law enforcement has not indicated whether any foul play is suspected in connection with the blast.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi addressed the tragedy in a post on X, formerly Twitter, calling the incident “horrific” and offering prayers for the families of the deputies. “Federal agents are at the scene and working alongside local authorities,” Bondi said. “Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed.”
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said her agency is also coordinating with local and federal investigators in what has become a multi-agency effort. “This tragedy is a reminder of the dangerous work our law enforcement officials undertake daily to keep us safe,” she said.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed her condolences and confirmed that LAPD personnel were aiding in the investigation. “The thoughts of all Angelenos are with those impacted by this blast,” she said.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell stated that the department had dispatched its Bomb Squad, SWAT units, and K-9 teams to assist. “We stand in solidarity with our Sheriff’s Department colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office said the governor had been fully briefed and had offered the state’s full support and resources. Meanwhile, nearby California State University, Los Angeles issued a statement reassuring students and staff that there was no danger to the campus. The university provided one of its parking lots to serve as a staging area for law enforcement.
The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) deployed its elite National Response Team (NRT) to investigate. The NRT is specially trained to analyze large-scale explosions and has previously responded to incidents such as the Oklahoma City bombing and the 9/11 Pentagon attack.
L.A. County Board of Supervisors Chair Kathryn Barger issued a heartfelt statement expressing sorrow over the loss. “I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today,” she said. “My thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department and the families of the deputies who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
While authorities stress that there is no continuing threat to the community, Sheriff Luna underscored the gravity of the incident and promised transparency as the investigation develops. “We will not rest until we understand what happened, and we will honor these men by finding the truth.”