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# Police release video of fatal officer-involved shooting
- URL: https://www.smdp.com/police-release-video-of-fatal-officer-involved-shooting/
- Published: 2026-09-13T19:33:26.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-13T19:47:06.000Z
- Author: Matthew Hall
- Tags: Crime

The Santa Monica Police Department has released a Critical Incident Community Debriefing Video detailing the Aug. 22 fatal officer-involved shooting of a man in Palisades Park near the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue, including body-worn-camera footage of the encounter.

The video, which combines footage, audio and information gathered during the preliminary investigation, is meant to give the public additional context about the shooting, according to SMPD. Its release does not represent final findings, and the incident remains under investigation.

According to police, officers were in the area at approximately 12:49 p.m. on Aug. 22 responding to a reported domestic violence incident when a man who was not connected to that call charged toward them while armed with a knife.

Officers repeatedly ordered the man to drop the knife and tried to create distance from him, police said, but he continued to advance. One officer then fired, striking the man.

Officers immediately began lifesaving measures, and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel arrived and continued providing emergency medical care, according to police. The man was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:49 p.m.

No officers or members of the public were injured, police said. Multiple knives were recovered at the scene.

The man was described by police as being in his mid-40s and homeless. Officers said he was not known to the department beforehand and may have been new to the area. His identity will be released by the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office once he is formally identified and his next of kin notified, according to police.

Investigators preserved evidence, interviewed witnesses and reviewed available video, including body-worn-camera footage and other footage from the area, Police Chief Darrick Jacob said. He cautioned that the information released so far is preliminary and could change as investigators gather more evidence.

"Our officers answer calls for help knowing the circumstances can change in an instant," Jacob said. "On August 22, they encountered an armed individual while assisting with an unrelated call. I recognize the lasting impact an incident like this can have on the officers and personnel who responded, and they have my support. When a life is lost during a police encounter, our responsibility to provide a clear and open account is especially important. Releasing this video is an important step in providing that account to our community."

Jacob added that "any incident resulting in the loss of life is significant" and that the department recognizes the impact on the man's family, those who knew him, the community and the personnel who responded. He called the shooting a reminder of the unpredictability officers face on the job.

Mayor Caroline Torosis also addressed the shooting, praising the officers involved.

"I am grateful for the courage our officers showed in the face of an armed threat and for the lifesaving efforts that followed," Torosis said. "Our officers are part of this community, and violence against them puts everyone around us at risk. Their safety is inseparable from the safety of the people they serve. The officers and personnel who responded that day deserve our gratitude and support for their bravery, compassion and commitment to Santa Monica."

California law requires law enforcement agencies to release video and audio recordings related to a critical incident within 45 days, subject to limited statutory exceptions and extensions. SMPD said it releases the debriefing videos as part of its commitment to transparency and to help the public better understand the circumstances surrounding significant uses of force.

Police are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or who has relevant video to contact Sgt. George Burciaga at George.Burciaga@santamonica.gov or the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.

To view the video, visit [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EQLgNR4a5o&rco=1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EQLgNR4a5o&rco=1&ref=smdp.com)