The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has issued a public apology following backlash over a now-deleted social media post that referred to Iranians as “victims” of a U.S. bombing raid targeting Iran’s nuclear program. The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), was widely criticized for overstepping the department’s jurisdiction and inappropriately commenting on foreign policy.
Original Post and Immediate Reaction
On Sunday, LASD posted:
“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 post also mentioned increased patrols at places of worship and other sensitive locations in Los Angeles County, although it noted there were no known threats locally.
The original message was deleted shortly after publication. A revised version, shared to Facebook, omitted any reference to the Iran bombing or victims, focusing solely on the department’s public safety response. Social media users quickly noticed the edit, with one commenter saying, “Damage control stepped in quick.”
Department Apology and Internal Review
In a formal apology, LASD acknowledged the misstep:
“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 statement emphasized the importance of accurate communication and maintaining public trust. The department pledged to learn from the incident and prevent similar occurrences.
An internal review has been launched to determine how the post was approved and published. LASD stated it is strengthening its social media oversight protocols to ensure alignment with “standards of professionalism, respect, and accountability.”
Summary:
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department faced criticism for a social media post regarding U.S. military action in Iran. The post was deleted, and the department apologized, reaffirming its commitment to nonpartisanship and public safety.
