Panic erupted at the iconic Santa Monica Pier after gunfire rang out during a chaotic fight Sunday night — leaving two people wounded and crowds scrambling to escape the violence.
Officers with the Santa Monica Police Department rushed to the popular tourist destination around 9 p.m. after receiving reports of shots fired along the pier.
Authorities said the gunfire came after a confrontation involving several people quickly spiraled into a large brawl, authorities said.
A video circulating on social media appears to show the frightening moment the shooting began.
In the clip, shared by professional skater Dave Johnson, the camera is initially focused on a child playing a Dance Dance Revolution arcade game.
Moments later, multiple gunshots can be heard, sending people nearby into a panic as the camera abruptly swings toward several adults — including a man wearing a hoodie and a woman — while the chaos unfolds.
Witnesses in the video can be seen running away from the area as the sound of gunfire echoes across the crowded pier.
Police confirmed that two people were struck during the shooting.
Both victims suffered injuries that authorities described as non-life-threatening. They were treated by emergency responders at the scene before being transported to a nearby hospital. Officials have not yet released their identities.
Investigators have not publicly confirmed what sparked the altercation, but early indications suggest the gunfire may have been “gang related” or targeted.
Officers flooded the pier following the incident, and police vehicles with flashing lights lined the area as authorities worked to secure the scene.
Officials also warned that sections of the pier could remain temporarily closed while detectives continue their investigation.
As of Monday morning, police had not announced any arrests or identified any suspects connected to the shooting.
The violence rattled the bustling waterfront destination in Santa Monica, where large crowds of locals and tourists typically gather each night to enjoy rides, restaurants and ocean views.
