A fatal shooting has occurred in Santa Monica, California, leaving one man dead and authorities searching for the individuals responsible. The incident took place early Monday morning, July 20, 2026, in Parking Lot 1 North, located at 1550 Pacific Coast Highway, near the Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica Police officers responded to the scene at approximately 12:32 a.m. after receiving reports of a possible shooting. Upon arrival, officers discovered an adult male suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by first responders, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene. Preliminary investigations suggest that a physical altercation broke out between two groups shortly before the gunfire was discharged. The specific circumstances leading up to the violence remain under active investigation. The identity of the victim has not been released and is being withheld pending notification of next of kin. As of Monday morning, no suspect information was available, and the suspect or suspects remain outstanding and at large. The shooting occurred during one of the city's busiest weekends in recent memory, which featured an open streets festival in downtown Santa Monica and large public watch parties for the World Cup final. Thousands of visitors flooded the area, creating significant crowds that persisted through the day. The Santa Monica Police Department is actively investigating the case and is urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information regarding the suspects to come forward. The public is asked to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at 310-458-8491 with any relevant tips. Additional information will be released as it becomes available. This remains an ongoing investigation.