A regular afternoon at Santa Monica Place quickly turned chaotic on Tuesday, June 25, 2025. Shoppers ran for cover. Police officers flooded the scene. Sirens wailed across the streets near the 3rd Street Promenade. Within minutes, an ordinary day turned into a citywide emergency. Here’s a full breakdown of what happened, how law enforcement responded, and what we can learn from the Santa Monica Place shooting.
The Scene: Santa Monica Place
Santa Monica Place is one of the most visited shopping centers in Southern California. It attracts both locals and tourists. Located near the ocean, it sits at the heart of downtown Santa Monica, next to the 3rd Street Promenade and close to the Metro Expo Line.
On Tuesday, the mall was filled with afternoon shoppers, families, and workers on break. No one expected gunfire.
The Santa Monica Shooting Incident
At around 1:10 PM, a Santa Monica police officer spotted a man who matched the description of a suspect wanted in an earlier shooting. That previous case involved gunfire aimed at a self-driving Waymo taxi with two teenagers inside.
The officer approached the suspect. Without warning, the man pulled a gun and fired. A bullet struck the officer in the hand. Bystanders screamed and ducked for cover. Panic spread across the area.
Thankfully, the officer survived. He radioed for help while trying to maintain control of the situation.
Fast Police Response
The police acted quickly. Within minutes, SWAT teams, local patrol officers, sheriff’s deputies, and even Metro transit police arrived. They shut down the mall and surrounded the area.
Officials also halted train service near Downtown Santa Monica Station to prevent the suspect from escaping via public transport. Businesses locked their doors. Shoppers were told to shelter in place. Sirens and helicopters filled the air.
By 2 PM, the area around 4th Street and Colorado Avenue had become a crime scene.
How the Suspect Was Captured
While the city locked down, police launched a large-scale search. Officers reviewed security camera footage. They also received several tips from the public. Around 4:20 PM, police located the suspect in Palisades Park, about a mile from the shooting scene.
Officers arrested him without further violence. They found a handgun near him, believed to be the one used in the attack.
Who Is the Suspect?
Police confirmed that the suspect is a male in his 30s. They have not released his full name yet, but they linked him to the earlier Waymo robotaxi shooting. In that case, two juveniles reported that someone fired at them while they were riding inside a self-driving taxi in Santa Monica.
Both teenagers escaped without injury. That case was still under investigation when Tuesday’s shooting occurred.
Officer Condition and Community Support
The injured officer was taken to a local hospital. Doctors treated his hand wound. By Tuesday evening, police officials said the officer was “recovering well” and in stable condition. He may return to duty soon.
Local leaders praised the officer’s bravery. Community members also thanked the police for their quick action. The Santa Monica Police Chief said:
“Our officer showed courage under pressure. Thanks to public tips and teamwork, we found the suspect within hours. This is what strong community policing looks like.”
Public Reaction to Santa Monica Shooting
As news spread, many people expressed shock. Social media lit up with images and videos from the scene. Some shoppers posted about hiding inside stores. Others thanked police officers for keeping them safe.
Some questioned how the suspect managed to carry a weapon near such a busy public space. Many called for stronger safety checks at high-traffic places like malls and transit centers.
What Motivated the Attack?
Right now, police have not confirmed a motive. However, investigators believe the suspect had targeted the officer to avoid arrest. It is possible the man was trying to flee the city after his name was linked to the earlier Waymo shooting.
Santa Monica Police are working with other law enforcement agencies, including the LAPD and FBI, to uncover more details.
Was Santa Monica Place Safe?
After the arrest, police reopened the surrounding streets and train lines. Mall authorities confirmed that Santa Monica Place was safe for the public. However, extra officers remain stationed in the area for safety.
The mall also said it is working with local police to improve future safety protocols. These steps may include more visible security and better surveillance coverage.
What Can We Learn?
This incident offers several important lessons:
- Vigilance matters. The officer who spotted the suspect may have prevented a larger tragedy.
- Public cooperation is key. Without community tips, the suspect might not have been found so quickly.
- Technology is a double-edged sword. Cameras helped track the suspect, but the earlier Waymo shooting raised questions about autonomous vehicle safety.
- Preparedness saves lives. Rapid police response, lockdown drills, and clear communication helped protect the public.
Final Words
Santa Monica is known for its relaxed vibe and scenic beauty. But like any city, it faces challenges. The shooting at Santa Monica Place was a reminder that threats can appear suddenly.
Thanks to quick police work, brave officers, and helpful citizens, the danger was stopped fast. Still, the community must stay alert and work together to keep public spaces safe.
📞 Got Information?
If you witnessed the event or have information about the case, contact the Santa Monica Police Department at:
📞 (310) 458-8491
🌐 santamonicapd.org
