Los Angeles: Three officers killed in massive explosion at bomb squad training facility

At least three sheriff’s deputies have been killed after a massive explosion at a Los Angeles police facility.

The blast occurred at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training in East Los Angeles on Friday in what officials are describing as the “deadliest” day in the agency’s history since 1857.

“There is definitely a black cloud hanging over the Los Angeles County sheriff’s department and our county family,” Sheriff Robert Luna told a press conference.

“We don’t know the cause of the explosion; however, the specific area has been closed off,” Luna said.

The sheriff said investigations into the cause of the incident had begun and confirmed that it was an isolated incident and that the scene had now been deemed safe.

“We don’t know the cause of the explosion; however, the specific area has been closed off,” Luna said.

“There’s a lot more we don’t know that we do know. We want to make sure we know what happened. We don’t want a repeat of this,” Sheriff Luna added.

The Biscailuz Regional Training Centre is the home of the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson/Explosives Detail, and Sheriff Luna said the officers who were killed were all long-time veterans of the department.

Their experience ranged from 19 years to 22 years, and the third officer killed had been with the department for over 33 years.

US Attorney Pam Bondi released a statement saying all available resources have been engaged in the recovery and investigation.

“Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more,” she wrote. “Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed,” Ms Bondi said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said the city was supporting the investigation with LAFD arson investigators and LAPD bomb squad personnel.

“The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of these impacted by this blast,” the Mayor said on X.

More to come...