Fact Check: Sheriff's Department Faced Public Backlash After Inappropriate Iran Bombing Post
What We Know
On June 22, 2025, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department posted a message on its social media channels expressing sympathy for the "victims and families impacted" by recent U.S. bombings in Iran. This message was made shortly after the U.S. military conducted airstrikes on three nuclear sites in Iran. The post stated, “Our hearts go out to the victims and families impacted by the recent bombings in Iran” and mentioned that the department was monitoring the situation alongside local, state, and federal partners (L.A. Times).
The post quickly drew backlash from the public, leading the department to delete it from X (formerly Twitter) and edit its Facebook and Instagram posts to remove any mention of Iran. The edited versions simply referred to monitoring "the situation overseas" without specifying the context (The Guardian). An apology was issued later that day, describing the original post as "offensive and inappropriate" and clarifying that it did not reflect the views of Sheriff Robert G. Luna or the department (NBC Los Angeles).
Analysis
The incident highlights the sensitivity surrounding international military actions, particularly in areas with significant diaspora populations, such as Los Angeles, which is home to a large Iranian American community. The original post's wording was seen as inappropriate by many, especially given the historical context of U.S.-Iran relations and the potential for such statements to be interpreted as political commentary by a law enforcement agency.
The backlash was swift and significant, indicating a strong public sentiment against the department's perceived insensitivity. The department's subsequent apology and the removal of the post suggest an acknowledgment of this misstep. The apology emphasized that the department does not engage in foreign policy discussions and is focused on local public safety (New York Times).
The sources used in this analysis are credible news outlets, including the Los Angeles Times, The Guardian, NBC Los Angeles, and the New York Times. These organizations have established reputations for journalistic integrity and fact-checking, making their reports reliable for this incident.
Conclusion
The claim that the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department faced public backlash after posting an inappropriate message regarding the bombings in Iran is True. The department's original social media post sparked immediate criticism, leading to its deletion and a formal apology, which acknowledged the post as offensive and inappropriate. This incident underscores the importance of sensitivity in communications from public agencies, particularly regarding international issues.
