In a devastating incident on Friday morning, at least three deputies were killed, and another person was injured due to an explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Center. According to law enforcement sources, the explosion occurred shortly before 7:30 a.m. at the facility located on Eastern Avenue, which serves as the base for the sheriff’s special enforcement bureau and the arson explosive detail, including the bomb squad.
As investigations began, the cause of the explosion remained unclear. The injured individual was promptly transported to a hospital, but their condition has not been disclosed. Sources reported that the blast happened while a bomb squad was in the process of moving explosive ordinances at the training center. The LAPD’s bomb squad quickly responded to the scene to ensure any remaining potential explosives were rendered safe, leading to the evacuation of the immediate area.
The FBI is also on-site, with bomb technicians assisting in the investigation, as confirmed by Laura Eimiller, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles office. Eyewitnesses described hearing a massive boom just before 7:30 a.m., accompanied by the sounds of glass shattering and screams. Officials quickly covered the blast area with a large tarp for safety. Notably, an SUV cruiser parked approximately 25 yards away had its windows blown out due to the explosion.
This tragic event adds to a concerning history of dangerous incidents at the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department training facilities. Over the past 12 years, there have been at least four fires at mobile shooting ranges, where deputies undergo firearm training. In a recent incident in 2023, two deputies sustained third-degree burns from a fire that erupted in a trailer at the men’s jail located at the Pitchess Detention Center.
In response to this catastrophic event, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a statement on X, indicating that he had been briefed on the explosion. The California Office of Emergency Services is actively monitoring the situation and has offered full state assistance. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as “horrific” and stated, “Our federal agents are at the scene, and we are working to learn more.” She urged the community to pray for the families of the fallen deputies during this tragic time.
This explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Biscailuz Training Center serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement personnel and the critical need for safety measures in training environments.
