Santa Monica Pier Ferris Wheel Incident: Evacuation After Bomb Claim and Arrest

 

On Monday, October 9, an individual carrying a backpack and asserting the possession of a bomb scaled the Santa Monica Pier Ferris wheel, resulting in the closure and evacuation of the entire pier.Read full article

Around 2:40 p.m., law enforcement officers were dispatched to the pier, as confirmed by a watch commander from the Santa Monica Police Department. The individual, while carrying a backpack, climbed the Ferris wheel and commenced yelling at officers, initiating an ongoing investigation. According to the Santa Monica Police Department, the man informed bystanders that he had a bomb before ascending the ride at approximately 3:30 p.m. While situated at the center of the 85-foot tall ride, he continued to shout at officers below. Unfortunately, due to external noise, they were unable to discern his words. Shortly before 4:30 p.m., the man was observed climbing closer to the pier and engaging in a conversation with law enforcement before being taken into custody. The motivations behind his decision to climb the ride remain unclear. Despite the suspect's assertions, investigators did not discover any form of incendiary device upon his arrest. The Santa Monica Fire Department responders were observed employing a "cherry picker" truck equipped with an elevated lift platform to reach the passengers who were still on the Ferris wheel. Numerous onlookers were also observed observing the unfolding incident from the pier.