Sheriff's Bomb Squad Called to Downtown Santa Monica Expo Line Train Station, After Bomb Making Materials Discovered

5.20.24: Precautions were taken after a resident found bomb making materials left by a deceased relative, SMPD Lt. Myesha Morrison wrote. That resident put the potentially explosive materials in his car, and began to drive to SMPD headquarters. He was stopped near the 4th and Colorado train station.

Here is the press release from SMPD: On Sunday, May 19, 2024 at approximately 4:00PM, the City of Santa Monica’s Police/Fire Dispatch Center received a call reporting the discovery of what an individual believed to be bomb-making materials found while cleaning a deceased relative’s home.

Prior to calling the Police Department, the caller placed the items in their vehicle and began to drive to the Santa Monica Police Station. Officers responded to the vehicle in the field, stopping near 5th and Colorado, where they confirmed the suspicious items and immediately contacted the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad.

As a precaution, nearby buildings were evacuated, and streets were closed while the Bomb Squad rendered the materials safe. There were no injuries or direct threats to public safety.

Information related to the incident was provided to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The area in question has been cleared. No additional details are available at this time. As always, we remind all residents to report any suspicious activities by calling 9-1-1.

5.19.24: Reportedly the LASD bomb detection unit has been called to downtown Santa Monica Sunday evening, after what one poster described as yet another violent incident on LA County's troubled Metropolitan transit. Other’s speculated that authorities had received a bomb threat, after the LASD bomb detail was seen there.

At 442 PM PST, the Santa Monica Police Department issued the following altert: SMAlerts | This is an important message from the City of Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Police activity at 5th Street and Colorado at the south west corner. Southbound traffic will be shutdown at 5th and Colorado ave. Please avoid the area.