Sheriff's Officials Apologize For Sympathetic Message About Military-Strike Victims In Iran

LOS ANGELES, CA — Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department officials have apologized for a social media post that expressed sympathy for "the victims and families impacted" by Saturday's U.S. military strikes targeting Iran, calling the post "offensive and inappropriate.

The department on Sunday posted about how officials were responding locally to the military strikes, which targeted three nuclear sites in Iran. Messaging from law enforcement agencies about local threats and maintaining vigilance are common after violent international event. But in this instance, an inclusion of a message of sympathy to those impacted by the bombings apparently caused concern inside the department.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent bombings in Iran. While this tragic event occurred overseas, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is closely monitoring the situation alongside our local, state, and federal partners," the department wrote.

The department later revised that post, omitting the sympathetic message. They also issued a post to "formally apologize" for the earlier message.

"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. Out mission remains solely focused on protecting public safety and serving our diverse communities," the post reads.

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— LA County Sheriffs (@LASDHQ) June 23, 2025

Initial attacks on Iran came June 13 when Israeli airstrikes targeted nuclear and military sites as well as top Iranian generals and nuclear scientists. At least 657 people, including 263 civilians, were reportedly killed and more than 2,000 wounded, a Washington-based Iranian human rights group told reporters.

The U.S. bombs fell Saturday on Iranian atomic sites at Fordow, Isfahan and Natanz.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel's goal is to eliminate the "existential threat" of Iran's nuclear program and arsenal of ballistic missiles and said the attacks would continue "for as long as it takes."

City News Service contributed to this report.