Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier Closed by Man Climbing Ferris Wheel and Reportedly Issuing Bomb Threat

5 pm the man, who turned out to be from Venezuela, climbed down from the Ferris wheel. Police reopened the southbound PCH.

4 pm PST: @SantaMonicaFire personnel continue to evacuate all individuals on the ferris wheel. Additionally information will be provided when available. Please stay away from the area.

3 pm PST From SMPD -The #SantaMonica Pier is closed for police activity. We have a subject who has climbed onto the Ferris Wheel. The subject was heard by witnesses saying he has a bomb. Our officers are currently evacuating Pacific Park and the Pier and our Crisis Negotiation Team is contacting the subject who appears to be in crisis. Further updates will be provided via SMPD social media channels."

Update, 2:56 pm PST: "I can confirm that we have officers out on the Pier contacting a subject in Pacific Park. We are shutting down the pier to control access for officers." writes Lt. Erika Aklufi, Santa Monica Police Dept. Public Information Officer.

Update, 2:50 pm PST: Southbound PCH closed through McClure Tunnel. It's uncertain whether this is related or separate.

2:44 pm PST: We have heard a police band radio call, that came in for the pacific park on the Santa Monica Pier. A rider on the gondola ride yelled that he had a bomb. This is breaking news.