Three L.A. County Sheriff’s Deputies Killed In Explosion At Training Center

Three Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies were killed in an explosion at a training center Friday morning.

Local and federal authorities are on the scene investigating after “a loud noise” was heard at the sheriff department’s Biscailuz Center Training Academy, east of downtown, around 7:30 a.m. PT, KTLA reported. Aerial footage from the scene showed damage to the rear windshield of what appears to be an L.A. County Sheriff’s Department bomb squad truck.

L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna revealed in a press conference that the three deputies killed were assigned to the arson explosives detail. It was previously reported that a fourth person was injured in the explosion and transported to a hospital, but Luna clarified that no one else was wounded in the blast.

“This is, unfortunately, is the largest loss of life for us as the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department since 1857. Between all three sworn members, they had served the community proudly for 74 years,” Luna said.

Authorities are not yet releasing the names of those killed in the blast as family members are still being notified.

Luna said that “there is a lot more that we don’t know than what we do know” about what caused the explosion. He added that homicide detectives are on the scene investigating the deaths with the assistance of the FBI. The LAPD’s bomb squad successfully “render[ed] the devices safe,” shortly before the sheriff took the podium. Luna said there “is no threat to this community.”

The Los Angeles Times reported that a bomb squad was moving an explosive ordnance at the time of the explosion. The Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad arrived at the scene a little over an hour after the blast.

“I just spoke to [U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli] about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles,” U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said. “Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s deputies killed.”

🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: 3 KILLED AFTER EXPLOSION AT LA COUNTY SHERIFF FACILITY

A deadly explosion rocked the LA County Sheriff’s S.E.B. compound in East L.A.

It reportedly happened next to a Bomb Squad vehicle and shattered nearby windows.

At least 3 people are confirmed dead.… pic.twitter.com/BeNFPaill2

— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) July 18, 2025

“The City of L.A. is supporting the @LASDHQ through this horrific incident in Monterey Park. LAFD/ATF arson investigators and members of the LAPD bomb squad are assisting at the training facility,” said L.A. Mayor Karen Bass. “The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of those impacted by this blast.”

This is a developing story; refresh the page for updates.