Statement on Two Years After the 27th Street Explosion NR23181km

Los Angeles: On June 30, 2021, the 27th Street neighborhood suffered the repercussions of the mishandling of a large quantity of illegal fireworks by members of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Explosives Unit, or Bomb Squad. Two years later residents are still recovering losses. Chief Michel Moore states, “The Los Angeles Police Department remains committed to supporting these residents and working with elected officials and City administrators through the completion of the 27th Street Neighborhood restoration. This neighborhood is resilient, and we will continue the work of repairing our relationship with this community we have sworn to protect and serve.”

Work to stabilize and repair 27th Street began immediately following the 2021 fireworks disposal explosion. While our work in the community was underway, the Department also invested in a top to bottom internal review and implemented significant corrections. A full investigation was conducted which examined the actions of the personnel on scene that day, and also conducted an in-depth review of the practices and protocols of the Bomb Squad. As a result of this investigation, four Bomb Squad personnel were subject to Departmental discipline based on their involvement in this incident. Additionally, this review resulted in the implementation of new protocols for the Bomb Squad to prevent any similar events from occurring in the future, and to ensure the safety of both community members and officers.

Chief Michel Moore also stated, “Even our best intentions cannot take this neighborhood back to where it was before this event occurred. However, as a Department, we remain committed to supporting the impacted residents as we continue to work to make this right. To that end, the Commanding Officers of Newton Area meet on a weekly basis with the 27th Street Long Term Recovery Group. These meetings ensure that any of the area residents’ concerns are immediately brought to the attention of the Newton Area Command for the assessment of possible redress. Additionally, the Department is actively assisting the City of Los Angeles Housing Department as they continue their work to assist the residents who were displaced. We remain closely involved with the ongoing rebuilding process and will work with our elected officials and City administrators to ensure that together we achieve a suitable outcome for all involved.”