LA Sheriff posts condolences for Iran bombing 'victims'—deletes after backlash

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) found itself under fire over the weekend after issuing a social media post offering condolences to victims of bombings in Iran — a move that drew sharp criticism online and prompted the department to issue a formal apology.

On Sunday, the LASD shared a statement that read, “Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent bombings in Iran.” The post quickly sparked outrage across social media, with critics questioning whether the department was expressing sympathy for the Iranian terror regime, including its nuclear scientists and military leaders who have openly called for the destruction of America and Israel.

Pundits and online commenters slammed the post, accusing the department of wading into foreign policy and expressing sympathy for the terror regime that has threatened to use nuclear weapons on the West.

Following the backlash, the LASD removed the original post and issued a formal apology, including a statement provided to The Ari Hoffman Show on Talk Radio 570 KVI. “We are issuing this statement to formally apologize for an offensive and inappropriate social media post recently posted on our Department social media platforms regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran,” the department wrote. “This post was unacceptable, made in error, and does not reflect the views of Sheriff Robert G. Luna or the Department.”

The department emphasized that it does not engage in commentary on foreign affairs or military actions, noting its mission is “solely focused on protecting public safety and serving our diverse communities.”

The statement also acknowledged the importance of public trust and communication standards: “We fully recognize that the words and messages we share carry weight. As law enforcement professionals, we are entrusted with a position of public responsibility, and that trust demands that we communicate accurately. In this instance, we fell short of that expectation, and we are taking quick corrective action.”

According to Deputy Miesha McClendon of the Sheriff’s Information Bureau, the department has updated the social media post and launched an internal review to determine how the message was created and approved. The LASD is also implementing tighter oversight protocols to ensure future communications “align with our Department’s standards of professionalism, respect, and accountability.”

The department concluded by reaffirming its commitment to the community: “We appreciate the continued trust of our community and will work diligently to reaffirm that trust every day.”