Report of explosion, possibly deadly, at LA County Sheriff’s Department site in East LA

An explosion apparently erupted at a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department training facility in Monterey Park Friday morning, July 18, possibly killing at least three people.

The incident was reported just before 7:30 a.m. at the Biscailuz Center Academy Training Center at 1060 N Eastern Ave.

ABC Los Angeles, citing helicopter footage, said it appeared something exploded next to a bomb squad vehicle.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said on X she spoke with U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli “about what appears to be a horrific incident that killed at least three at a law enforcement training facility in Los Angeles.”

She said federal agents were at the facility and working to learn more.

Saadullah Sheikh, a spokesman with the the Los Angeles County Fire Department, said firefighters were dispatched at 7:27 a.m. and arrived at the same time. That agency has a facility across the street from the sheriff’s training center.

Gov. Gavin Newsom’s office said on X he had been briefed, was monitoring the situation and has “offered full assistance.”

Los Angeles County supervisors Kathryn Barger and Hilda Solis both put out statements Friday morning saying they were closely tracking the situation.

“My heart is heavy, and my thoughts are with the brave men and women of the Sheriff’s Department during this difficult time,” Barger said.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement that the city was supporting the sheriff’s department “through this horrific incident in Monterey Park.” She said arson investigators with the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were on scene.

A Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad arrived to check for other explosives and make the area safe, according to broadcast reports.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.