On the morning of July 18, 2025, a devastating explosion rocked the Biscailuz Regional Training Center in East Los Angeles, claiming the lives of three veteran Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies. The incident, described as the deadliest single event in the department’s history since 1857, occurred around 7:30 a.m. at the facility located in the 1000 block of North Eastern Avenue, approximately six miles east of downtown Los Angeles.

The deputies, all members of the department’s elite Arson and Explosives Detail, were handling ordnance in the facility’s parking lot when the blast occurred. Authorities believe the explosive device, recovered from a bomb squad call in Santa Monica the previous day, was thought to be inert but detonated unexpectedly. The three deputies, with a combined 74 years of service—19, 22, and 33 years respectively—were pronounced dead at the scene. Their identities have not been released, as Sheriff Robert Luna prioritized notifying their families.

Sheriff Luna, speaking at a news conference, called the incident a “staggering loss” and emphasized that the deputies were “fantastic experts” who handled over 1,000 high-risk calls annually. The explosion, believed to be accidental, caused significant damage, shattering windows of nearby sheriff’s vehicles and scattering glass across the parking lot. A tarp was placed over the blast site as investigators, including the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad, worked to secure the area and ensure no additional explosive materials posed a threat. No other injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed there is no ongoing danger to the community.

The Los Angeles Police Department, along with federal agencies such as the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, are assisting in the investigation to determine the precise cause of the blast. Sheriff Luna noted that the inquiry is in its early stages, with investigators examining whether procedural errors or the unstable nature of the ordnance contributed to the tragedy. The Los Angeles Fire Department and homicide detectives are also involved in the response.

Local and state officials expressed profound grief over the loss. Los Angeles County Supervisor Hilda Solis stated, “My heart goes out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the three individuals who lost their lives in what appears to have been a devastating explosion.” Supervisor Kathryn Barger echoed this sentiment, saying, “My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time.” California Governor Gavin Newsom was briefed on the incident, and the state’s Office of Emergency Services offered full support. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the event as “horrific,” confirming federal agents were on-site to assist.

The Biscailuz Training Center, home to the Sheriff’s Department’s Special Enforcement Bureau and bomb squad, is a hub for specialized training. The explosion has prompted a reevaluation of safety protocols, with experts noting the inherent dangers of handling explosives, which can vary in stability due to age or origin. This tragedy marks the deadliest law enforcement-related explosion in Southern California since 1986, when two LAPD officers died while attempting to defuse pipe bombs in North Hollywood.

As the investigation continues, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is mourning the loss of three of its most experienced members. A procession was held to transport the deputies’ bodies to the coroner’s office, and the community has rallied in solidarity, with tributes pouring in for the fallen heroes. Sheriff Luna vowed to uncover the cause of the explosion, stating, “We will look at this from the very beginning to figure out what exactly caused this tragic event.”