Gunfire rang out on the Santa Monica Pier late Sunday night, triggering a swift and heavy police response along the boardwalk and waterfront as visitors were quickly pushed out of the area. Officers raced to the scene after reports of shots being fired, set up a perimeter, and cleared sections of the pier while workers and tourists were ushered away. City officials say the Santa Monica Police Department has opened an investigation into the incident.
What officials say
In a press release posted March 15 on the city’s news site, the City of Santa Monica reported that Santa Monica police officers responded to calls about shots fired on the pier and that detectives are now investigating. The release notes a designated media contact for follow-up and says the department is still working to lock down the key details.
Video and reporting from the scene
NBC Los Angeles aired video from the pier that shows multiple patrol cars with lights flashing, officers moving through the area, and crowds breaking up as first responders secured the scene. According to the station’s coverage, officials were still piecing together what happened in the early hours of Monday.
Pier context and past incidents
The Santa Monica Pier is one of the region’s marquee tourist draws, complete with rides, restaurants, and shoulder-to-shoulder foot traffic on busy nights. It is not immune to trouble, though. The Los Angeles Times reported a 2019 shooting in a nearby parking lot that left one person wounded. That kind of incident has pushed local leaders to walk a tightrope between keeping the pier wide open for visitors and increasing patrols when crowds swell.
Next steps
According to the city’s release, Santa Monica police say the investigation is ongoing and that the department will share more information as it is confirmed. Officials are asking anyone who was on or near the pier Sunday night, especially those with video or other evidence, to contact the Santa Monica Police Department.
