Federal agents conducted a search on Wednesday at an aerospace manufacturing site in Garden Grove, California, following a near-catastrophic chemical incident last month that prompted the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. The operations targeted GKN Aerospace’s facility, where a large chemical storage tank containing 7,000 gallons of methyl methacrylate had become dangerously pressurized and overheated, raising concerns about a potential explosion.

According to court documents related to the search warrant issued last week, investigators from the FBI and Environmental Protection Agency were gathering a broad array of materials. These included records related to the handling and storage of hazardous chemicals, samples from containers at the site, inspection logs for equipment, and electronic devices that could shed light on the circumstances leading up to the incident. A spokesperson for the U.S. attorney’s office in Los Angeles confirmed the agents’ presence at the facility on Wednesday morning.

The crisis unfolded on May 22, leading to an urgent evacuation order affecting more than 40,000 residents in the surrounding area during the Memorial Day weekend. Emergency responders fought to stabilize the situation by cooling the tank with water, preventing what officials warned could have been a massive fireball explosion. By the following Monday, authorities determined that the immediate danger had eased after the pressure was released when the tank cracked, allowing many residents to return home, although some nearby neighborhoods remained under evacuation longer.

The event prompted emergency declarations from both California Governor Gavin Newsom and the White House, underscoring the severity of the threat to public safety.

The federal search took place amid mounting community frustration toward GKN Aerospace. At a Garden Grove City Council meeting on Tuesday night, numerous residents voiced anger and demanded accountability, highlighting what they perceived as insufficient corporate responsibility. Protest signs displayed slogans such as “GKN OUT” and “MAKE GKN PAY,” reflecting wider discontent with the company’s role, particularly given its recognition as a manufacturer linked to military contracts.

Although GKN Aerospace has committed $3 million to aid affected residents, many community members criticized the amount as inadequate compensation for the disruption and distress caused by the evacuation. Attendees recounted hardships including leaving behind essential medications and personal documents, enduring uncomfortable sleeping conditions, losing work hours, and difficulties evacuating elderly residents.

Jeana Wardlow, an employee within the local school district, condemned the company for endangering vulnerable populations during the incident. In response, Steve Carlin, senior vice president of GKN Aerospace, expressed regret for the event and acknowledged the breach of trust with the community. He emphasized the company’s long-standing presence in the city and noted that about 500 employees work at the site, many of whom reside locally.

During the meeting, city officials questioned GKN’s plans to prevent a recurrence, including whether the company might remove hazardous chemicals from the site entirely. They also pressed for further financial restitution beyond the initial pledge. Mr. Carlin indicated that the company was still conducting an internal investigation and assessing future steps. He agreed to organize a town hall meeting to give residents an opportunity for direct dialogue with GKN representatives.