Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna has stated that one of the two grenades found in a Santa Monica townhome complex before a deadly explosion at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy remains missing, according to a recent announcement. The incident, which claimed the lives of three deputies, has raised significant questions about the handling of hazardous materials and the safety of training facilities.
The day before the explosion, members of the sheriff’s department’s Arson and Explosives Detail assisted Santa Monica police following a resident’s report of finding two ‘grenade-like devices’ in a storage unit within an underground garage. Luna confirmed that the devices were believed to be ‘inert’ after an X-ray but were transported to the Biscailuz Center Training Academy to be ‘destroyed and rendered safe.’ The sheriff emphasized that the grenade did not fall out during transport, and law enforcement is confident in that assessment. However, the investigation into the second grenade’s fate continues, with Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper of the ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division indicating that one of the grenades exploded at the training center following its transport.
This has prompted the ATF to conduct an extensive investigation, examining a radius of over 400 feet around the blast site. Luna added that the sheriff’s department and its partners are exploring any potential links to other individuals that may be connected to the incident, though no specific suspects have been named yet. The sheriff also highlighted the preliminary nature of the ATF’s findings and the expectation that a final analysis will be completed within 45 days. The three deceased deputies were assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau’s Arson Explosives Detail, raising further concerns about the training and safety protocols within such specialized units.
With the investigation ongoing, the tragic incident has left a profound impact on the community and the law enforcement agency. Further details are expected as the probe continues, with the possibility of new revelations about the circumstances surrounding the explosion and the missing grenade.