Santa Monica Police Release Video of Knife Attack on Officer Outside Police Headquarters

Santa Monica police released intense body camera and surveillance footage on Thursday showing a man attacking an officer with a knife outside the department's front door. The incident occurred on the evening of October 5.

According to authorities, the suspect, 28-year-old Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, first assaulted an employee at the Target store on 420 Broadway before fleeing with a stolen knife set. Shortly afterward, Halaibeh walked to the Santa Monica police station on Olympic Drive and rang the call button to speak with an officer, as seen in surveillance video.

When an officer opened the door to the courtyard, Halaibeh was standing near two other individuals who were also waiting to speak with police. The officer noticed Halaibeh had his hand tucked inside his jacket and expressed concern, saying, "What's in your jacket?

I'm kind of nervous with your hand in your jacket like that."

The officer escaped the knife attack and attempted to deescalate the situation before ultimately fatally shooting Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, 28. (Santa Monica PD

Target security video showing Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh attacking an employee before stealing a set of knives. Oct. 5, 2024

Halaibeh, appearing agitated, replied, "You're nervous?" before pulling out a knife and slashing at the officer. The footage shows the officer retreating around a corner in an attempt to escape, but Halaibeh chased him down, and the two fell to the ground.

While struggling to get back to his feet, the officer fired several shots and pointed his weapon at Halaibeh, commanding him to "Get on the ground!" However, Halaibeh ignored the order, stood up, and approached the officer with the knife still in hand. The knife was later identified as a purple 8-inch Cuisinart blade stolen from Target.

The officer opened fire again, hitting Halaibeh multiple times. Halaibeh was pronounced dead at the scene. The officer sustained severe stab wounds to his neck and shoulder but managed to survive the attack.

Authorities later identified Halaibeh as a New York State resident who had been in Santa Monica for about a week. The motive for the attack remains unclear.