By Jorge Casuso

August 24, 2026 – A Santa Monica police officer shot and killed a man who allegedly charged officers with a knife in Palisades Park Saturday afternoon, SMPD officials said.

The incident took place after officers responded to the 1400 block of Palisades Park at around 12:49 p.m. regarding a reported domestic violence incident, police officials said.

"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," Police Chief Darrick Jacob said in a statement.

"The suspect ignored repeated commands to drop the knife, and continued to advance towards the officers. One officer discharged their firearm, striking the individual," Jacob said.

Officers immediately began administering lifesaving measures, and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel responded and continued providing emergency medical care, officials said.

The suspect was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead at approximately 1:49 p.m., officials said. The officer involved in the shooting was not injured.

The identity of the suspect, a Male in his mid 40s, will be released by the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office after formal identification is completed and his next of kin is notified, officials said.

A knife was recovered at the scene, Jacob said, adding that investigators are preserving evidence, interviewing witnesses and reviewing all available information.

The information includes body-worn camera footage and other video from the area, he said.

"Any incident resulting in the loss of life is significant," Jacob said. "We recognize the impact this has on the deceased’s family and those who knew him, our community and the personnel who responded.

"This incident is also a reminder of how quickly circumstances can change for the men and women of the Santa Monica Police Department who serve our community," Jacob wrote in the email.

"Officers respond every day to situations that are unpredictable, complex and potentially dangerous. I want our personnel to know they have my full support."

Saturday's shooting comes nearly two years after a Santa Monica police officer was wounded in a knife attack outside the Public Safety building on October 5, 2024 before fatally shooting his assailant.

The suspect, Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, 28, a resident of New York State, used a chef's knife from a box of kitchen knives stolen from the Target store at 420 Broadway minutes before the incident, according to police police.