LOS ANGELES, CA – A wave of arson has swept through Los Angeles in the wake of recent civil unrest, leaving a trail of destruction that includes damaged law enforcement vehicles, self-driving cars, and even the LAPD Headquarters Facility. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has now deployed its elite National Response Team (NRT) to investigate, signaling the gravity of the situation.
The NRT, comprised of veteran agents and specialists in fire and explosives investigation, arrived in Los Angeles this week to painstakingly reconstruct fire scenes, analyze debris for evidence, and interview witnesses. ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenneth Cooper minced no words, stating, “The cause of these fires is quite obvious. The task at hand now is to determine who is responsible.”
While Cooper didn’t elaborate on the “obvious” cause, the agency is focusing on identifying individuals who deliberately set the fires. The NRT brings a formidable arsenal of technology to the investigation, including unmanned aerial systems, 3D scanning, forensic mapping, and portable labs. This isn’t their first time in LA; the team previously investigated the Pacific Palisades fires in January 2025 – a case that remains open.
The ATF is actively soliciting help from the public. Anyone with photos, videos, or information related to the fires is urged to come forward. Investigators are asking people who were near the affected areas to submit their evidence through multiple channels: 1-888-ATF-TIPS (1-888-283-8477), ATFTips@atf.gov, www.ReportIt.com, or the Report It mobile app (available on Google Play and Apple App Store – select “ATF – Los Angeles Field Division”).
“We’re grateful to community members willing to step forward,” Cooper added. “If you have information about who was involved, or footage of the events, we encourage you to share it. The people of Los Angeles don’t deserve the destruction of their communities, and we’re here to help hold people accountable.” The ATF has a long history of responding to major fire incidents, having deployed the NRT to 932 cases since 1978, including the devastating Maui Wildfire Disaster and the Conception Dive Boat Fire.
The agency’s involvement highlights the seriousness with which federal authorities are treating the arson attacks. The NRT’s previous work during the 2020 Midwest Civil Unrest – processing over 200 arson scenes and securing arrests – underscores their ability to bring perpetrators to justice. For more information on the ATF and its investigations, visit www.atf.gov and follow @ATFHQ and @LosAngelesATF on X.
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