Los Angeles cops scramble to delete 'embarrassing and offensive' post about Iran strikes: 'How is this real?'

Daily Mail​

4 hours ago

Los Angeles cops have scrambled to delete a bizarre social media post about the conflict in Iran after it was widely slammed as 'embarrassing' and 'offensive'.
The LA County Sheriff's Department expressed condolences for the 'tragic' US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites on Sunday in a since-censored post.
'Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent bombings in Iran,' the post on X stated.
'While this tragic event happened overseas, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is closely monitoring the situation alongside our local, state and federal partners.'
Social media users were quick to slam the post as out-of-touch with public sentiment, and disrespectful to the Jewish community.
Many people also questioned why a local sheriff's department was getting involved in international politics, particularly after facing heavy criticism for allowing anti-ICE and 'No Kings' riots to spiral out of control in LA just weeks ago.
'We sincerely hope your account was hacked,' a non-profit group called Stop Antisemitism wrote in response to the controversial post.
'There were no victims in last night's successful targeting of Iran's nuclear sites.'
A non-profit group called Stop Antisemitism were among those who called out the post
One X user slammed the post as 'PATHETIC and DISGUSTING'.
'Your "hearts are with the people of Iran". Did you put that statement out EVERY time the people of Israel got bombed?' they fumed. 'No wonder your city and state is a CESSPOOL.'
'As a 31 year veteran of a Big City Police Department, I have to say that your initial post, calling the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites a 'tragic event', was beyond embarrassing,' another person wrote.
'Since when do LE agencies comment on national defense, or foreign policy issues? Try policing LA.'
The sheriff's office promptly deleted the post and issued a lengthy apology.
'We are issuing this statement to formally apologize for an offensive and inappropriate social media post recently posted on our Department social media platforms regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran.
'This post was unacceptable, made in error, and does not reflect the views of Sheriff Robert G. Luna or the Department.
'As a law enforcement agency, we do not comment on foreign policy or military matters. Our mission remains solely focused on protecting public safety and serving our diverse communities.'
The sheriff's office promptly deleted the post and issued a lengthy apology (shown above)
The department said it has 'launched an internal review to determine how it was created and published'.
'Steps are being taken to strengthen our social media oversight protocols and ensure that any future communications align with our Department's standards of professionalism, respect, and accountability,' they added.
But X users weren't satisfied, and many doubled down on their criticism of the department.
'I do not accept your apology,' one person wrote.
'The offensive post regarding the situation in Iran was deeply disrespectful, especially given the significant Jewish community of over half a million in Los Angeles.
'An internal review and updated protocols are insufficient to address the harm caused.
'True accountability and respect must be demonstrated through meaningful action, not just words.
'I urge you to engage with the community to rebuild the trust you've broken.'
'Someone needs to be removed from your social media team and reprimanded. It was totally unacceptable post! In the private world, they'd be fired,' another person said.
'DID YOU APOLOGIZE TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY?' a third X user commented.
'I didn't see that here.'
X users said the sheriff's office should focus on the chaos in their own backyard instead of getting involved in international issues.
LA law enforcement officials are under the microscope for their handling of anti-ICE riots in the city which spiraled out of control on June 6.
Demonstrations were initially peaceful, but they escalated into lawlessness and violence when some protestors lit vehicles on fire and looted stores.
Police and local politicians were heavily criticized for failing to preserve the peace.
On June 14, the protests spread nationwide with 2,000 rallies organized across all 50 states by 'No Kings', a group which says it opposes 'authoritarianism, billionaire-first politics, and the militarization of our democracy'.
Trump entered the conflict between Israel and Iran on Saturday night by using American warplanes to target Iranian facilities in Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan.
Known as Operation Midnight Hammer, the strike involved more than 125 US military aircraft, along with submarines.
Iran has warned that there will be repercussions, and Trump hit back by saying that any retaliation would be met with 'even greater force than what was unleashed today'.
The Middle Eastern country launched more missiles on Tel Aviv in Israel on Sunday morning, and Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen also said they would join the retaliation.
There have already been hundreds of casualties.
Iran's health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 400 people and injured 3,000, while at least 24 people in Israel have died in missile strikes from Iran.
The conflict escalated 10 days ago when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched attacks on Iran's nuclear and military strikes.
Israel first warned people in Tehran's District 18, which comprises military buildings and residential neighborhoods, to evacuate. Hours later, the first volley of strikes were reported in the area.
Netanyahu said the attacks, called Operation Rising Lion, targeted Iran's nuclear program.
'If not stopped, Iran could produce a nuclear weapon in a very short time,' Netanyahu said.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel 'should anticipate a severe punishment', while its foreign minister called the strikes a 'declaration of war'.