Santa Monica mall shooting: Police injured, armed suspect triggers citywide manhunt and mall lockdown
Santa Monica
police officer was injured in a shooting near the busy
Santa Monica Place mall
on Wednesday afternoon(June 26), prompting a
citywide manhunt
and sparking fear among shoppers and residents.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 2:30 p.m. PT near the mall's parking structure, just off 4th Street and Colorado Avenue, adjacent to the popular Third Street Promenade. The officer was responding to reports of a suspicious individual when gunfire erupted. It remains unclear whether the officer was directly shot or injured during the altercation, but police confirmed the officer was transported to a nearby hospital and is in stable condition.
No other injuries have been reported.
https://x.com/santamonicapd/status/1937986648501064159?s=46
Suspect on the run
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The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has identified the suspect as a Black male in his 30s, last seen wearing a dark jacket and black pants. He is considered armed and dangerous. A photograph of the suspect, captured via surveillance footage, was posted on
social media
Wednesday evening. Authorities are urging the public not to approach the suspect if spotted, but instead to call 911 immediately.
'This was an
officer-involved shooting
. We're deploying every tool at our disposal including new technology, to bring this individual to justice,' said Santa Monica Mayor Lana Negrete.
Videos circulating online showed dozens of officers in tactical gear surrounding the mall, helicopters overhead, and nearby roads sealed off. The downtown Santa Monica Metro station was also shut down, with shuttle buses dispatched to manage commuter flow.
Investigation ongoing
The SMPD is leading the investigation, working in coordination with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and other agencies. Surveillance footage and eyewitness accounts are being reviewed, though authorities have yet to comment on a potential motive or whether the officer was specifically targeted.
'This remains an evolving situation,' the department said in a statement, cautioning against speculation.
The shooting comes amid heightened public concern around
gun violence
in the US, particularly in spaces once considered safe, such as shopping centers and transit hubs. Santa Monica Place, an open-air luxury mall, is a high-traffic destination, especially during summer months.
Officials continue to ask for the public's help while reassuring residents that law enforcement is 'working around the clock' to secure the area.
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