(NewsNation) — Three detectives who were killed in an explosion at a Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department training center on Friday have been identified.
Detectives William Osborn, Victor Lemus, and Joshua Kelley-Eklund were fatally injured in the blast, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
“With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the LASD announces the passing of three of our dedicated detectives: Detective Joshua Kelley-Eklund, Detective Victor Lemus, and Detective William Osborn who were all assigned to Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail,” the agency wrote.
“These brave men served with honor, courage, and unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our community. Their tragic loss is deeply felt across our Department and the entire LASD.”
“There are no words to express the pain and sorrow we feel,” Sheriff Robert Luna added. “These heroes represented the best of our Department, exemplifying courage, integrity, and selfless service. This is not only a heartbreaking loss for their families, but for all of us.”
The deaths are being investigated with assistance from the FBI. The scene was not rendered safe until moments before authorities began a briefing, hours after the explosion.
Sources told a KTLA reporter that the explosion came as deputies were moving an unexploded ordnance they had picked up on a call. The source said live explosives are not used for training. The LASD has not confirmed the cause.
The Los Angeles Police Department bomb squad was part of the response. The LAPD covers the city of Los Angeles, while the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department is available to municipalities in Los Angeles County that do not want to staff their own police departments.
“The thoughts of all Angelenos are with all of those impacted by this blast,” Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said her agency was working with state and federal authorities to respond to the explosion.
Attorney General Pam Bondi added that she had spoken to the U.S. attorney for the Central District of California.
“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,” she wrote on social media.