Officer Involved Shooting - Update

August 24, 2026 11:04 AM

SANTA MONICA, Calif.- The Santa Monica Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred on August 22, 2026, in the 1400 block of Palisades Park.

At approximately 12:49 p.m., SMPD officers responded to the area regarding a reported domestic violence incident. While officers were speaking with witnesses, a man who was not involved in the original call charged toward the officers while armed with a knife. The man ignored repeated commands to drop the knife and continued advancing toward the officers.

One officer discharged their firearm, striking the man. Officers immediately began lifesaving measures. Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded, continued providing emergency medical care and transported the man to a local hospital. Despite those efforts, he was pronounced deceased at approximately 1:49 p.m.

The deceased is a man believed to be in his mid-40s. The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner will formally identify the deceased. His name is being withheld pending notification of his next of kin.

No officers or other members of the public were injured. A knife was recovered at the scene.

SMPD investigators are interviewing witnesses and reviewing physical evidence, body-worn camera footage and other video collected from the area.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant video is asked to contact Sgt. George Burciaga at [email protected] or the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

Media Contact

Lewis Gilmour
Lieutenant
[email protected]

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