Three Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies were killed early Friday morning in an explosion at a department training facility, officials confirmed.
According to Breitbart, the blast took place shortly before 7:30 a.m. at a law enforcement campus in East Los Angeles and is believed to have been connected to the handling or transport of explosive materials.
The explosion happened at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training grounds, located on the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue. This site is regularly used by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) for officer training and specialized unit exercises.
Explosion Occurs Near Bomb Squad Vehicle
According to initial live coverage by Fox News and other local outlets, the explosion took place near a LASD Bomb Squad vehicle. Reports suggest that explosive ordnances were being transported around the time of the incident, though the precise cause of the blast has yet to be determined by authorities.
ABC 7 reported from the scene that the blast occurred “next to a Bomb Squad vehicle,” though officials have not confirmed if the vehicle itself triggered the explosion or was simply in the vicinity. NBC Los Angeles echoed that account, citing the explosion’s proximity to specialized law enforcement equipment. No further details have been released about the identities of the fallen deputies, pending family notifications. Officials also declined to comment on whether more personnel were injured or treated on-site following the event.
Facility Known for Law Enforcement Training
The Biscailuz Center Academy is a key law enforcement training site operated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Recruits undergo physical, tactical, and classroom instruction on the campus, and it also hosts advanced training for specialized units, including the Bomb Squad.
The area, located in East Los Angeles, is a secure training zone and typically closed to the public. Friday's incident marked a rare and tragic occurrence within the department’s controlled environment. The blast reportedly occurred before 7:30 a.m., shortly after personnel had begun operations for the day. Investigators have not yet disclosed whether any training drills or transportation of materials were scheduled for that specific time window.
Details on the Cause of the Explosion Remain Unclear
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the explosion, but early accounts tie the incident to the handling of ordnance materials—arms or ammunition used by law enforcement. Whether those items were unstable, mishandled, or improperly stored remains part of the active investigation.
Given the Bomb Squad's involvement and the mention of transported ordnances, the department has likely initiated an internal review alongside external safety investigators. No timeline was offered for when a full report might be made public. Due to the nature of the scene and the type of materials possibly involved, emergency response crews may still be working to secure the area and ensure no further hazards exist at the site.
First Reports Emerge from Media Outlets
Multiple media outlets began reporting on the explosion shortly after it occurred Friday morning. Fox News and local Los Angeles stations were the first to cover the story live, with helicopters showing an active police presence near the training center.
While many reporters were on the ground within hours of the blast, a lack of on-the-record statements from LASD officials has left many of the event’s details unclear. It is currently unknown whether a press briefing will take place over the weekend. As of now, calls for public updates from the department have gone unanswered, although local officials have urged patience while investigations proceed.
Community and Department Mourn Fallen Deputies
The deaths of the three deputies come as a shock to the law enforcement community and city residents alike. Tributes are already appearing online from colleagues and residents who have learned of the tragedy. Due to the sensitive nature of the incident, the LASD may delay releasing additional details until next of kin have been notified and families have received support resources. Community support for fallen law enforcement personnel is often immediate in Los Angeles County, which routinely honors first responders with memorials and official recognitions after line-of-duty deaths.
Authorities Continue Investigating Incident’s Cause
With few details currently available, speculation has mounted around how such a deadly explosion could occur within a heavily controlled training facility. Officials have not said whether previous safety reviews had raised concerns about the handling of faltering or unsafe explosive ordnance.
The sheriff’s department is expected to lead the investigation alongside local fire and bomb experts, and possibly federal agencies, depending on the materials involved. Witness interviews and equipment analyses are believed to be underway. This latest incident follows broader national conversations about the risks law enforcement faces during training with hazardous materials, particularly for units handling explosives, chemical agents, and firearms.
