The day after news that US troops had bombed three Iranian nuclear sites, the LA County Sheriff’s Office told social media channels that “heart is “going out” to Iran’s “victims.”
The post caused a quick backlash.
It is unknown when the first message on X, Facebook and Instagram was posted on Sunday.
The department removed the post from X and edited the posts on Facebook and Instagram to remove the first two sentences. The apology issued Sunday evening calls the original post “offensive and inappropriate.”
According to a screenshot of a tweet from KTLA, the original post stated: “Our minds are directed at victims and families affected by the recent bombings in Iran. Though this tragic event occurred overseas, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s department is closely monitoring the situation along with local, state and federal partners.”
The Post also says there is no known threat to Los Angeles County, but the department will increase patrol checks at places of worship and other sensitive areas throughout the county.
Edited versions of Instagram and Facebook posts ruled out the first sentence of the original post and the Iranian reference, saying the department instead is monitoring the “overseas situation.”
In its apology, the department said the post was made incorrectly and did not reflect the views of Sheriff Robert G. Luna or the department.
“As law enforcement, we have not commented on foreign policy or military issues. Our mission is focused on protecting public safety and serving diverse communities,” the statement continued.
The department has launched an internal review to determine how the posts were created and published, and is taking steps to strengthen the “social media surveillance protocol,” the statement said.
