A knife-wielding man was fatally shot by a Santa Monica police officer after charging at him through a crowded seaside park, newly released bodycam footage shows. The confrontation on 22 August began after officers responded to an unrelated report of a man chasing a woman near Palisades Park, only to encounter 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez brandishing a large fixed-blade knife above his head near bystanders. Police say the case highlights the split-second decisions officers face in public spaces, with the department releasing the footage as part of a critical incident briefing.

Footage shows an officer repeatedly ordering Rodriguez to drop the weapon while backing away, before Rodriguez quickened his advance and the officer fired a single round, striking him in the chest. Officers immediately attempted first aid, including chest compressions, before fire crews took over and transported him to hospital, where he was pronounced dead at around 1:49pm. A search found two further knives on Rodriguez, and the medical examiner ruled his death a homicide by gunshot wound; no officers or bystanders were hurt, and the case remains open.