Santa Monica Pier: What happened on Sunday night? Shooting reports spark panic

Several witnesses claimed they heard what sounded like gunshots in the area.

Updated on: Mar 16, 2026 11:00 AM IST

Share via

Copy link

Unconfirmed reports of a possible shooting at the Santa Monica Pier surfaced on social media Sunday night. Several witnesses claimed they heard what sounded like gunshots in the area. One person also shared a video online in which the sounds of possible gunfire can be heard. However, these reports remain unverified, and authorities have not confirmed any shooting at this time.

Reports of shooting at Santa Monica Pier. (Unsplash)

Also Read: Rihanna home shooting update: Suspect Ivanna Lisette Ortiz used AR-15-style rifle; bizarre Facebook post surfaces

Witness account

One witness described the incident in a video posted on Facebook. He said he was at the Santa Monica Pier with his family and friends when the shooting reportedly occurred. According to him, some of his friends were playing games at an arcade when they suddenly heard what sounded like gunshots.

He also shared a clip showing children playing inside the gaming arcade before the sounds of gunfire are heard. Moments later, people can be seen rushing to leave the area as panic spreads.

"We were feet away from the shooting at the Santa Monica Peer like 10 mins ago," the captioned the video.

Another person posted on Facebook, "I heard the shots inside the arcade."

Also Read: Who was Jordan Jones? Former college football star shot dead outside Georgia bar; friends remember him fondly

About Santa Monica Pier

The Santa Monica Pier, opened in 1909, is an iconic 1,650-foot landmark stretching into the Pacific Ocean from Santa Monica, California. Originally built as the West Coast's first concrete pier for municipal use, it evolved into a beloved entertainment hub.

In 1916, entrepreneur Charles Looff added a pleasure pier section featuring the historic Looff Hippodrome and carousel. Today, it hosts Pacific Park, with the glowing solar-powered Ferris wheel, roller coaster, arcade games, and ocean views. It is the symbolic end of Route 66, perfect for fishing, sunset strolls, and classic fun.

This is a breaking news story and will be updated with more information

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan
Vaishnavi Vaidyanathan leads the US Desk at Hindustan Times, where she writes, strategises coverage, and ensures quality across all beats. With eight years of experience covering US news for leading publications, she has reported extensively on politics, entertainment, and sports. Vaishnavi holds a graduate degree in English, Journalism, and Psychology, and completed her PG Diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the Manorama School of Communication, where she was awarded the prestigious Mammen Mappillai Award for Best Outgoing Student. She began her career at the International Business Times (US Edition), covering US breaking news, politics, and entertainment. She later joined Opoyi, reporting across all beats, including US sports and trending stories. Prior to Hindustan Times, she served as World Lead at Times Now News, covering comprehensive world news and events. Vaishnavi has expertise in politics, entertainment, and breaking news, and enjoys tackling stories across a wide range of topics. Beyond the newsroom, she is an avid traveller, a foodie who loves exploring new restaurants, and a pop culture enthusiast who enjoys watching latest shows and films. She also enjoys engaging in debates and discussions on Reddit.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.