Overview
- Three members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s bomb squad died after an explosion tore through the Biscailuz Training Center during a live ordnance exercise on July 18.
- The blast is being treated as a training accident with a joint investigation led by local agencies, the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
- Initial findings point to a seized hand grenade as the possible cause of the detonation during a defusing operation, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact trigger.
- U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi described the incident as a “terrible” event; Governor Gavin Newsom said he is closely monitoring the investigation.
- Emergency responders from the Los Angeles County Fire Department and sheriff’s units secured the scene, treated survivors and began collecting evidence within minutes of the blast.