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FBI executes search warrant at site of Garden Grove chemical meltdown scare
Water is sprayed on a damaged tank at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, on May 24, 2026, after the tank containing a chemical used to make plastic parts overheated.
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Ethan Swope
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AP Photo
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Federal agents from the FBI and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency executed a search warrant early Wednesday at GKN Aerospace in Garden Grove, the plant where an overheated tank led to fears of a massive explosion and caused some 50,000 residents to evacuate over Memorial Day weekend.
The warrant calls for seizing all communications and devices that might contain evidence about how the company handled the chemical methyl methacrylate, or MMA, and what might have led a massive tank full of the toxic chemical to overheat and nearly explode.
The warrant also calls for seizing records pertaining to risk analyses of safety conditions at the facility, or the condition of equipment. The warrant is dated June 5 and signed by U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie S. Christensen.
How we got here
Right before Memorial Day weekend, a tank onsite holding thousands of gallons of MMA began overheating. Safety officials ordered some 50,000 residents in the surrounding area to leave their homes, and evacuation centers were set up at local high schools and community centers.
For several days, authorities said it was almost certain the tank would either explode or crack and spill out toxins into the surrounding area. The emergency subsided when first responders discovered a crack in the tank had been relieving pressure, and the temperature of the chemical stabilized.
GKN exec gets an earful from residents
At a special City Council meeting Tuesday, Steve Carlin, a senior vice president at GKN, apologized for the incident.
“I understand, and I realize sitting here tonight, what a disruptive event it was and how unsettling it is to the greater community,” he said.
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He added that the company would do “whatever it takes” to earn back the residents’ trust.
Dozens of residents also spoke at the meeting, demanding the city force GKN to leave the area entirely, or move dangerous chemicals to a location away from residential neighborhoods and schools.
Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein called Carlin's appearance “a step forward, but to me … this isn’t going to be good enough long term." She asked Carlin to hold a town hall meeting where residents can have the chance to ask him questions directly.
What's next
GKN is working with Orange County United Way to help people who had to evacuate or close their businesses because of the spill pay for expenses. The company has so far dedicated $3 million to the fund, which local officials say is not sufficient.
You can find more information about how to apply for financial assistance here.
The Orange County Health Care Agency is overseeing the removal of solidified MMA and cleanup after the incident. Cleanup was supposed to start last week, but has been delayed indefinitely. The incident has already spurred dozens of lawsuits.
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How to attend a Garden Grove City Council meeting
- Regular Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month. Upcoming meetings schedule can be viewed here.
- Meetings take place in the Council Chamber, 11300 Stanford Ave., Garden Grove
- The schedule for public Garden Grove meetings is on the city's website. You can make a public comment by attending in person or watch online.
Go deeper
Thousands evacuated across multiple cities near Garden Grove chemical tank
Orange County agency postpones toxic chemical cleanup in Garden Grove
Did California’s regulators miss signs of the Garden Grove toxic tank meltdown?
What’s next for neighbors living near Garden Grove factory at center of chemical scare?
LAist senior editor Rene Lynch also contributed to this report.
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