FBI searches California aerospace facility after chemical incident, evacuation

Federal authorities, armed with a search warrant signed by a federal judge, are now meticulously examining a southern California aerospace facility. The FBI's search centers on GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems in Garden Grove, the site of a chemical incident last month that forced the evacuation of approximately 50,000 residents.

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The Orange county district attorney’s office is conducting a separate criminal investigation into the aerospace plant, and has ordered the company “not to modify or destroy any evidence”.

The warrant specifically targets records pertaining to the "storage, use or disposal" of methyl methacrylate. This highly flammable chemical was contained within a tank holding 6,000 to 7,000 gallons, raising fears of a potential explosion. Methyl methacrylate is a key component in the manufacturing of plastics and coatings, including Plexiglas and dental prosthetics. Exposure to the substance can lead to severe respiratory and neurological issues, as well as irritation to the skin, eyes, and throat, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.

Adding to the scrutiny, the Orange County District Attorney's office has launched its own criminal investigation into the aerospace plant. A spokesperson confirmed that the company has been instructed "not to modify or destroy any evidence." The warrant also authorizes agents to seize samples of the chemical and records related to any cooling or temperature-regulating equipment used for the methyl methacrylate.

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We are cooperating with authorities at our Garden Grove facility and will continue to do so.

In a community meeting, GKN senior vice president Steve Carlin apologized for the disruptive event and thanked first responders. "I want to say that I’m sorry that this event and this incident occurred. I understand and I realized sitting here tonight what a disruptive event it was and how unsettling it is to the greater community," he stated. While residents have urged GKN to consider relocating the chemical tanks, Carlin indicated it was too early to make such decisions amid the ongoing investigation. Reports of the overheating tank surfaced on May 21, leading to the evacuation the following day. Most residents returned home over Memorial Day weekend after a crack in the tank relieved pressure, averting a feared explosion. Several lawsuits have since been filed against GKN.

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On behalf of GKN and the Garden Grove plant, I want to say that I’m sorry that this event and this incident occurred. I understand and I realized sitting here tonight what a disruptive event it was and how unsettling it is to the greater community. Particularly unsettling to us at GKN because of the long history that we have with Garden Grove and how connected we are to this community.