By Jorge Casuso
September 14, 2026 – The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) on Saturday released body-worn-camera footage taken on August 22 that shows an officer fatally shooting a man believed to be homeless who was coming at him with a knife.
The Critical Incident Community Debriefing Video, taken at around 12:49 p.m. near the 1400 block of Ocean Avenue in Palisades Park, "provides an overview of the incident using video, audio and information collected during the preliminary investigation," police officials said.
"The presentation reflects the evidence currently available and is intended to provide the public with additional context," officials added. "Its release does not represent final findings or conclusions regarding the incident, which remains under investigation."
The Los Angeles County medical examiner’s office Saturday identified the man shot as Michael Rodriguez, 44, who police say may have been homeless. Rodriguez was taken to a local hospital where he died of a gunshot wound to the chest.
SMPD officers responded to the area regarding a reported domestic violence incident and were speaking with witnesses when Rodriguez, who was not involved in the original call, "charged toward the officers while armed with a knife," police said.
"Officers repeatedly directed the man to drop the knife and attempted to create distance," said Lt. Lewis Gilmour, the Police Department spokesman. "The individual continued to advance, and one officer discharged their firearm, striking him."
Officers immediately began lifesaving measures, and Santa Monica Fire Department personnel continued providing emergency medical care and transported Rodriguez to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Gilmour.
No officers or other members of the public were injured," he said. "Multiple knives were recovered at the scene."
California law requires the release of video and audio recordings related to a critical incident within 45 days, subject to limited statutory exceptions and extensions, police officials said, adding that the Department releases the videos "as part of its commitment to transparency and to help the community better understand the circumstances surrounding significant uses of force."
“Our officers answer calls for help knowing the circumstances can change in an instant," Police Chief Darrick Jacob said in a statement. “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," Jacob said. "Releasing this video is an important step in providing that account to our community.”
In a statement, Mayor Caroline Torosis commended the "bravery, compassion and commitment to Santa Monica" the officers and personnel who responded showed and thanked them for their courage "in the face of an armed threat and for the lifesaving efforts that followed.”
“Our officers are part of this community, and violence against them puts everyone around us at risk," Torosis said. "Their safety is inseparable from the safety of the people they serve."
Click HERE for the critical incident video, which police officials advise "contains graphic content, including footage of a violent assault and intense audio that may be distressing to some viewers."
Anyone who witnessed or has relevant video of the incident should email George.Burciaga@santamonica.gov or call the SMPD Watch Commander at 310-458-8427.