EAST LOS ANGELES — A routine Friday morning turned catastrophic when a massive explosion ripped through a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) training facility, killing three highly trained deputies and injuring at least one other person. The incident, described by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as a “horrific incident,” has sent shockwaves through California’s law enforcement community and prompted a massive federal, state, and local response.
What Happened
The blast occurred at approximately 7:25–7:30 a.m. PST at the LASD Biscailuz Training Center in the City Terrace area of East Los Angeles. The facility, located in the 1000 block of Eastern Avenue, houses the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau and Arson/Explosives Detail (bomb squad). Preliminary reports from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) indicate deputies were handling explosives – potentially moving unexploded ordnance from a prior bomb call – when the accidental detonation occurred.
- Casualties: Three deputies were killed instantly. At least one other person was hospitalized with injuries; their condition remains unknown.
- Cause (Preliminary): Law enforcement sources indicate deputies were handling explosives, potentially while moving an unexploded ordinance recently recovered from a prior bomb call. The incident is currently classified as a tragic accident, though a full investigation is underway.
- Immediate Aftermath: The explosion shattered windows on a nearby LASD SUV cruiser and sent debris across the parking lot. Employees reported hearing a “massive boom,” followed by screams.
Massive Emergency Response
- Local & State: LA County Fire Department, LAPD Bomb Squad, and LA Fire Department arson investigators responded immediately. Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed, and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) offered full state assistance.
- Federal: FBI agents, ATF (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives) agents, and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deployed to the scene to support the investigation and secure the area. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed coordination with law enforcement.
- Securing the Scene: Due to the presence of other potential explosive materials stored at the bomb squad facility, rendering the area safe was a complex and critical priority. The immediate vicinity was evacuated, and nearby roads were closed 19. California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), located north of the facility, offered a parking lot as a staging area and confirmed no campus threat.
“I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy… My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.” – Kathryn Barger, Chair, LA County Board of Supervisors.
Facility History and Context
The Biscailuz Center, renovated and reopened in 2017, has a long history as a training ground (1946-1984 before a hiatus). LASD training facilities have experienced safety incidents before, including multiple fires at mobile shooting ranges over the past 12 years, one resulting in serious burns to deputies in 2023. This incident, however, marks one of the deadliest in recent memory for the department.
Investigation Status
The exact sequence of events and definitive cause remain under active investigation by a multi-agency team. Key questions include:
- The specific type of explosive device being handled.
- The exact procedures underway at the moment of detonation.
- Whether all safety protocols were followed.
Authorities stress there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Mourning the Fallen
While the identities of the deceased deputies have not yet been formally released pending family notifications, they are known to be “highly trained individuals” from the specialized units based at Biscailuz. The LASD and the broader law enforcement community have begun expressing profound grief. The LAPD posted an image of an LASD badge with a mourning band on social media, a solemn tradition honoring officers killed in the line of duty.
“Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed… Pray for our law enforcement and their loved ones.” – U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
Key Details Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | July 18, 2025, approx. 7:25-7:30 AM PST |
| Location | LASD Biscailuz Training Center, 1000 Block Eastern Ave, East Los Angeles |
| Facility Function | Homes LASD Special Enforcement Bureau & Bomb Squad (Arson/Explosives Detail) |
| Fatalities | 3 LASD Deputies |
| Injuries | At least 1 hospitalized (condition unknown) |
| Preliminary Cause | Accidental detonation during handling of explosives (possibly recovered ordnance) |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing (LASD, FBI, ATF, LAPD Bomb Squad, LAFD Arson) |
| Public Threat | None reported |
As investigators meticulously process the scene, the LASD faces the somber tasks of supporting the grieving families of the fallen deputies, caring for injured personnel and traumatized colleagues, and ultimately understanding what went wrong to prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again. The law enforcement community across Los Angeles and the nation stands in solidarity with the LASD during this devastating time.
This is a developing story. Official updates are expected from the LASD and investigating authorities in the coming hours and days.