Three LA County Deputies Killed in Training Facility Explosion, “An Extraordinarily Painful Day”
Three members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Arson/Explosives Detail were killed Friday morning in a tragic explosion at the department's Biscailuz Training Facility in East Los Angeles, marking the agency's single deadliest day since 1857. The blast occurred just after 7:30 a.m. at the facility located in the City Terrace area, where deputies were reportedly handling some type of explosive material during a training session.
Sheriff Robert Luna confirmed the loss during a late-morning press conference, describing the fallen deputies as "heroes" and stating that they had served a combined 74 years with the department.
"This is a profound loss," Luna said. "This is the worst loss of life for the department in a single incident since 1857."
He added that the names of the victims were being withheld pending notification of their families.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation.
According to Luna, the devices involved were safely neutralized by the LAPD Bomb Squad. Federal agencies, including the FBI and ATF, also responded to the scene.
Mayor Karen Bass shared on X that the City of LA is supporting the Los Angelos County Sheriffs department by assisting with the incident with LASD homicide detectives.
The City of L.A. is supporting the @LASDHQ through this horrific incident in Monterey Park.
— Mayor Karen Bass (@MayorOfLA) July 18, 2025
LAFD/ATF arson investigators and members of the LAPD bomb squad are assisting at the training facility.
The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of those impacted by this blast. https://t.co/sJ955YhslT
"Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more," U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi posted on X. "Please pray for the families of the sheriff's deputies killed."
I just spoke to @USAttyEssayli about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles.
Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff’s…— Attorney General Pamela Bondi (@AGPamBondi) July 18, 2025
Local officials expressed sorrow and support in the wake of the tragedy.
"I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today," said LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger. "We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead."
Supervisor Janice Hahn called it "an extraordinarily painful day" and urged a full investigation.
"My prayers are with the families of the deputies and their colleagues in law enforcement who are reeling from this tragedy. I am offering my full support to our Sheriff Robert Luna and his department as they not only work to support our deputies but to investigate what went so wrong. We need to get to the bottom of what happened and make sure that it never happens again," she said.
Prayer for Families Grieving the Lost Deputies from this Tragedy
Lord, we come to You with heavy hearts as we lift up the families of the brave deputies who gave their lives to service. We pray that You show comfort to these families and loved ones affected by this tragedy and give them peace that surpasses all understanding during this time. Remind them, Lord, that You are their refuge and strength and also near to the brokenhearted.
God, we ask that You would bring healing to the other deputy injured and peace to those first responders who have lost their friends today. Let Your presence be felt in every home and training facility, Lord. May Your grace hold them up when they feel the pain is too heavy to handle alone. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/PATRICK T. FALLON/Contributor
Originally published July 18, 2025.
