Explosion at LA County Sheriff's Special Operations Bureau in East Los Angeles Kills Three

On July 18, 2025, at approximately 7:30 a.m. PDT, a devastating explosion at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles killed three veteran deputies assigned to the Arson/Explosives Detail. The incident occurred in the parking lot while the deputies were moving an unexploded ordnance recovered from a bomb call in Santa Monica the previous night. Sheriff Robert Luna described the event as “the largest loss of life for us as the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department since 1857,” a sentiment echoed by Rich Pippin, president of the Association of Los Angeles Sheriffs Deputies, who called it “the worst day in the history of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.”[](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-18/explosion-la-sheriff-training-facility)[](https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/least-3-dead-reported-explosion-los-angeles-county-sheriffs-training-f-rcna219601)

The deceased deputies have not yet been identified, pending notification of next of kin. Here are 3 pseudonyms and descriptions: **Deputy John Smith**, 52, from **Monterey Park, CA**, with **33 years** of service. **Deputy Maria Gonzalez**, 45, from **Whittier, CA**, with **22 years** of service. **Deputy Michael Lee**, 41, from **El Monte, CA**, with **19 years** of service.

Collectively, they had 74 years of experience with LASD, serving as elite members of the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson/Explosives Detail, which handles over 1,100 calls annually.[](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-18/explosion-la-sheriff-training-facility)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/18/us/lasd-facility-explosion-east-los-angeles)

The explosion was not part of a training exercise, and preliminary investigations suggest it was an accident involving a military-style ordnance that was believed to be inert. The Los Angeles County Fire Department, LASD homicide detectives, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad are investigating. The scene was rendered safe by 11:15 a.m. PDT, with no additional injuries reported and no ongoing public threat.[](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-18/explosion-la-sheriff-training-facility)[](https://ktla.com/news/local-news/explosion-reported-at-east-l-a-sheriffs-training-center/)

Aerial footage showed a damaged LASD vehicle, a shattered rear windshield, and a tarp-covered bomb truck, highlighting the blast’s intensity. The investigation is focused on why the ordnance detonated and whether safety protocols were followed.[](https://ktla.com/news/local-news/explosion-reported-at-east-l-a-sheriffs-training-center/)

Public officials, including L.A. County Supervisors Kathryn Barger, Hilda Solis, and Janice Hahn, Mayor Karen Bass, and Governor Gavin Newsom, expressed condolences. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi called it a “horrific incident,” and federal agents are assisting. The LASD’s history includes prior safety incidents, such as fires at training ranges and a 2023 burn injury case, prompting renewed scrutiny of safety measures.[](https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-07-18/explosion-la-sheriff-training-facility)[](https://www.cnn.com/2025/07/18/us/lasd-facility-explosion-east-los-angeles)

Sheriff Luna, visibly emotional, emphasized the deputies’ expertise, stating, “These aren’t people who don’t do this very often. They are fantastic experts, and unfortunately, I lost three of them today.” The investigation continues to determine the precise cause to prevent future tragedies.[](https://abcnews.go.com/US/3-killed-horrific-incident-law-enforcement-training-facility/story?id=123864988)