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Bodycam footage shows knife-wielding man charge at police in Santa Monica
New York Post • • nation
Key Points:
- Santa Monica police released body-camera footage showing officers fatally shooting 44-year-old Michael Rodriguez, who charged at them with a serrated knife while they were investigating an unrelated incident near Santa Monica Pier on August 22.
- Officers ordered Rodriguez to drop the knife as he advanced, and one officer fired a single shot to the chest when he continued moving toward them; Rodriguez later died at the hospital.
- Police found two additional knives on Rodriguez, but the motive for his aggressive behavior remains unclear.
- Santa Monica Police Chief Darrick Jacob emphasized the department’s commitment to transparency and support for the officers involved, while Mayor Caroline Torosis praised their courage and lifesaving efforts.
- Multiple investigations into the shooting are ongoing, including reviews by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and the Santa Monica Police Department.
