Explosion at LA Training Facility Kills Three, Investigation Underway

Three people died in an explosion at a law enforcement training center in East Los Angeles. The blast happened near the Special Enforcement Bureau, likely during a bomb squad exercise. Authorities are investigating, suspecting a training accident. Federal and local officials have responded.

At least three people were killed on Friday following a powerful explosion at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles, triggering a multi-agency emergency response and raising concerns over safety procedures during high-risk training exercises.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, addressing the media shortly after the incident, described the situation as a "horrific incident" and confirmed that federal agents had been dispatched to the site. She emphasized the government's commitment to uncovering the cause of the explosion and ensuring that those affected receive the necessary support.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department confirmed that an explosion had occurred at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training grounds, located in East Los Angeles. However, the spokesperson did not immediately confirm any fatalities, citing the need for further investigation and proper notification of next of kin.

According to preliminary information, the explosion occurred in the parking lot of the Special Enforcement Bureau — the Sheriff's Department’s elite tactical unit, which is the local equivalent of a SWAT team. The blast reportedly disrupted training operations and caused panic among personnel present at the time.

Law enforcement authorities launched an immediate investigation into the incident, although the source of the explosion remained unclear as of Friday evening. Investigators are considering multiple possibilities, including accidental detonation during a training exercise.

The Los Angeles Times, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation, reported that a bomb squad was in the process of moving explosive materials when the blast occurred. The mishap may have involved the handling or transfer of volatile substances intended for training purposes.

An early focus of the investigation was a potential training accident, according to a law enforcement official who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. The official was not authorized to discuss the incident publicly but suggested that the working theory pointed to an unintentional detonation during an exercise or materials demonstration.

Federal authorities, including agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), were deployed to the scene to assist local responders and contribute technical expertise to the investigation. Their presence reflects the seriousness of the incident and the possibility that federal safety regulations may have been violated.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also weighed in, confirming that the Los Angeles Police Department’s bomb squad had responded to the scene and was actively collaborating with other agencies to contain the situation and support the investigation.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem released a statement indicating that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security was fully engaged in the response. She confirmed that federal officials were coordinating closely with state and local law enforcement agencies to determine the cause of the explosion and prevent future occurrences.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office issued a brief statement noting that the governor had been briefed on the incident and was monitoring developments closely. The statement expressed condolences to the families of those affected and pledged full support for the ongoing investigation.

As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge, and officials are expected to provide further updates once more information becomes available. The incident has drawn attention to the potential risks associated with tactical training involving explosives, especially in urban environments.