Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department apologizes for odd tweet about Iran bombings

June 23, 2025

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is apologizing for a social media post that referred to the “victims” of the U.S. bombing in Iran.

The department said the “offensive and inappropriate” post, which was deleted, did not reflect its views and that it would investigate how it happened.

“This post was unacceptable, made in error, and does not reflect the views of Sheriff Robert G. Luna or the Department. As a law enforcement agency, we do not comment on foreign policy or military matters,” the department said in its apology.

President Trump on Saturday ordered the U.S. military to bomb three nuclear sites in Iran, hoping to force Tehran to end its conflict with Israel and relinquish any hopes of developing a nuclear bomb.

Afterward, online users noted an odd tweet that popped up on the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department’s official X account.

“Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent bombings in Iran,” the post said. “While this tragic event happened overseas, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is closely monitoring the situation alongside our local, state and federal partners.”

While the Iran bombings did spark fear of escalation or reprisals, people who saw the post were baffled as to why a local law enforcement agency would opine on foreign events and sympathize with Iran.

Users said they hoped the account had been hacked, or urged the department to focus on issues at home, after L.A. saw massive protests over immigration raids.

Beyond an internal probe, the department said it would tighten up its social media oversight and practices.

“We fully recognize that the words and messages we share carry weight,” the department said. “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. We are committed to learning from this failure and to prevent such incidents from occurring again.”