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With the start of the war between Hamas and Israel, our nation is on high alert currently. As a result, threats, real or otherwise, are not being taken lightly; such is the case in this instance.
On Monday afternoon, October 9, the Santa Monica Police Department was forced to evacuate Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier after a man made claims of being in possession of a bomb and scaled the iconic Ferris wheel. The incident began around 3 p.m., with police deploying a crisis negotiation team to attempt to resolve the situation peacefully.
Thankfully, by 4:30 p.m., shortly after talking with the man, he began descending from his perch and was quickly apprehended by police without any injuries or explosions reported.
BREAKING: The Santa Monica Police Department is advising people to avoid the Santa Monica Pier in California after a man attempted to ascend the Ferris Wheel. According to witnesses, the man claims to have a bomb. pic.twitter.com/3PslMRuNKd
— EvoCentral (@evocentralnews) October 9, 2023
The ordeal began when witnesses heard the man making comments about having a bomb before scaling up to one of Santa Monica’s most beloved attractions –the Ferris wheel. The police were quick to respond, setting up an effective perimeter and beginning talks with him in an effort to persuade him into surrendering himself peacefully.
Thankfully, their efforts paid off as he began working his way down from his post just before 4:30 p.m. however, due to safety concerns they could not start the Ferris wheel while he was clinging onto it so those stranded had to wait until he descended for themselves before leaving their seats.
In addition, firefighters used lifts for additional rescues but none were removed from any rides while this was occurring due to its immobility during negotiations.
It wasn’t until 5:15 p.m. that Pacific Park reopened back up for public use again but officials are still yet to release further information regarding this matter as they continue investigations into what exactly happened that afternoon, although it is believed that no crime has been committed due solely in part of mental health issues affecting the perpetrator at hand.
BREAKING: Man who climbed Ferris wheel at Santa Monica Pier in California, Los Angeles is now coming down. And people are also getting rescued. Police have talked him out of it, seems to be some mental issue but not sure. pic.twitter.com/GdxvKp8aHS
— EvoCentral (@evocentralnews) October 9, 2023
As seen through video footage taken via Sky5 cameras we can see officers blocking off entrances and escorting civilians out while firefighters attended using specialized lifts for rescue operations. This prompted widespread panic amongst patrons who had come out for some fun only moments prior.
However officials have now confirmed that no explosives devices were present upon apprehending him nor were there any reports of injuries aside from minor distress suffered by visitors who had witnessed the scene play out first-hand.
