Three sheriff's deputies killed in LA bomb squad explosion
Firefighters and specialist bomb squad officers from the LA police department were called to a blast at the Biscailuz Centre in Monterey Park, in the east of the city, at about 7.30am local time (3.30pm BST).
Pam Bondi, the attorney-general, confirmed in a post on X that three sheriff's deputies were killed in the explosion.
'I just spoke to Bill Essayli [the US attorney for the central district of California] about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles,' Bondi wrote. 'Our federal agents are at the scene and we are working to learn more. Please pray for the families of the sheriff's deputies killed.'
According to aerial video from ABC7, the blast blew out the windows of a sheriff's department SUV vehicle. The sheriff's department's bomb squad is said to have been moving explosive materials at the time of the blast.
The police department's bomb squad responded to the scene to disarm any other potential explosives munitions and the area has been evacuated, the Los Angeles Times reported.
It was not immediately clear how many people were injured or if anyone else was killed.
The sheriff's department is expected to provide further details shortly.
Kathryn Barger, the Los Angeles county supervisor said in a statement: 'I am heartbroken to hear of the terrible tragedy that has unfolded today at an LA County sheriff's department facility. I am closely tracking the situation as we learn more about what occurred and the condition of those affected.
'My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the sheriff's department during this difficult time. We stand with them and their families as they navigate the hours and days ahead.'
The 200-acre facility is home to the sheriff's department's training centre, special enforcement unit, bomb squad and arson unit.
In 2014 the Biscailuz Centre underwent a $22 million renovation and expansion project in which the sheriff's department centralised its training operations in one location. The Los Angeles county special enforcement bureau handles high-risk tactical operations involving barricaded suspects, hostage situations and other high-risk duties. It also provides security for visiting dignitaries and politicians.
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