Thread by @KateCagle

Here setting up to cover a press conference with @LAPDChiefMoore and the ATF regarding the #LAPDblast in South Central LA that displaced 70+ people and severely damaged several homes and businesses. @SpecNews1SoCal

https://twitter.com/katecagle/status/1414646041920479239?s=21

Chief Moore begins and apologizes for this outdoor presser that will be long and hot

“I want to personally express my apologies” to everyone effected. “I am sorry that this occurred. Additionally, I acknowledge that there are many others traumatized by the blast.” says @LAPDChiefMoore who says his officers “acted in good faith.”

“Some were found to be leaking material,” @LAPDChiefMoore says of the fireworks placed in the TCV at the scene. “Included in the safety plan was a strictures evacuation plan.” Moore says multiple residences on 27th St were evacuated, but my reporting found people remained home.

https://twitter.com/katecagle/status/1414646121251545096

Moore says the TCV has been in use for over a decade and it’s not protocol to use it to transport explosives but rather to detonate them on site…he says this is “standard operating procedure” throughout Los Angeles. #lapdblast

BREAKING: Moore says the amount of explosives likely exceeded the weight rated for the TCV, according to the preliminary investigation. Essentially, the bomb squad guessed the weight based on appearance but did not actually weigh the devices before detonating the #lapdblast

The commanding officer has implemented new training and new protocols based on these preliminary findings, that will require actually weighing explosives before detonating them in a TCV, @LAPDChiefMoore said. #lapdblast

“That amount in itself probably could have taken out the whole neighborhood,” says Assistant Special Agent in Charge Michael Hoffman, ATF of the 32,000 lbs of illegal fireworks recovered by the LAPD at a home on 27th Street. #lapdblast

There’s some AP Chem questions popping up now regarding explosive materials, weight and concentration that I am not qualified to live tweet

Moore says this was the use 42nd time the TCV has been used, on an average of 2-5 times per year.

@moore says “yes people are facing discipline over this” as I ask about calls from the community for accountability from his agency. He says if established protocols were not met, discipline and consequences will occur but at the same time, protocol allowed for visual estimation.

Really frustrated this press conference ended without any questions or answers regarding evacuation procedure

“I will hold people accountable for those that fail to follow our expectations and I’ll also protect them from when they follow our rules…and we have failed them,” @LAPDChiefMoore responding to South Central community calls for accountability #lapdblast @SpecNews1SoCal