The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department faced fierce backlash after issuing and then deleting an Iran apology post criticizing U.S. military action. The department called recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities “tragic” and extended sympathy to supposed “victims” in a since-removed statement.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent bombings in Iran,” the department wrote Sunday on X, sparking immediate outrage. The post referred to U.S. airstrikes, carried out under President Donald Trump’s orders, that severely damaged Iran’s Fordow uranium enrichment site.
Before the department deleted the Iran apology post entirely, Stop Antisemitism responded: “There were no victims in last night’s successful targeting of Iran’s nuclear sites.” Calls quickly followed for the responsible party’s termination and for Sheriff Robert Luna to resign.
The department later issued an official apology: “This post was unacceptable, made in error, and does not reflect the views of Sheriff Robert G. Luna or the Department.” It promised an internal review and said future communications would better reflect “professionalism, respect, and accountability.”
One X user summed up the sentiment: “This is the CRAZIEST reaction to President Trump delivering MONUMENTAL devastation to Iran’s nuclear sites.”
