The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department found itself at the center of a growing firestorm late Sunday after posting a message on social media offering condolences to the “victims and families impacted by the recent bombings in Iran” — a gesture that triggered immediate backlash.
The original post, which appeared across the department’s official social media platforms, acknowledged the “tragic event” overseas and noted that although the attack occurred far from American soil, the department would be “closely monitoring the situation.”
“At the moment, there are no known threats to Los Angeles County,” the post read. “However, out of an abundance of caution, we are increasing patrol checks at places of worship and other sensitive locations throughout the county.”
But the message — particularly its expression of sympathy for Iran just hours after a U.S.-led strike on the country’s nuclear facilities — drew instant criticism. Social media users condemned the department for what many saw as an inappropriate and tone-deaf response, especially given heightened tensions and patriotic sentiments in the U.S.
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