Santa Monica Police Officer Fatally Shoots Knife-Wielding Person at Palisades Park

Investigation continues after fatal officer-involved shooting near Ocean Avenue

A Santa Monica police officer shot and killed a person armed with a knife at Palisades Park on Saturday afternoon after the person charged at officers responding to a domestic violence report, city officials said. The shooting occurred in the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica.

Officers had been dispatched to the area for a reported domestic violence incident and were interviewing witnesses when the separate confrontation unfolded, according to a police statement. Authorities said the person who was shot was not identified as part of the original domestic violence call.

“While officers were interviewing witnesses, an unrelated individual armed with a knife charged at the officers,” police said. “An officer discharged their firearm, striking the individual.”

Santa Monica Fire Department personnel treated the wounded person at the scene before the person was transported to a hospital, where they were pronounced dead, police said. The officer involved in the shooting was not injured.

The fatal encounter happened in and around Palisades Park, the oceanfront public park alongside Ocean Avenue that draws residents and visitors throughout the day. The location meant investigators were working in a prominent public area as police secured the scene and asked people to stay away Saturday afternoon.

Authorities had not released the name of the person who died, details about their age or residence, or information about what investigators believe prompted the person to approach officers with the knife. Police also did not immediately provide further details about the domestic violence call that initially brought officers to the area.

The City of Santa Monica said the scene remained active while investigators collected evidence and conducted a preliminary inquiry. The investigation into the Santa Monica police shooting was ongoing, and officials had not announced whether any additional findings or video evidence would be released.