Two Juveniles Injured in Targeted Shooting Inside Waymo in Downtown Santa Monica, Near Second Street and Broadway

Two juveniles were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries after a targeted shooting inside a Waymo autonomous taxi in downtown Santa Monica on Sunday night, June 23, 2025, according to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD).

The incident occurred around 11:40 p.m. near the intersection of Second Street and Broadway, a bustling area close to the Third Street Promenade. Authorities say the suspect, who remains at large, approached the driverless Waymo vehicle on foot and fired multiple rounds into the car following a verbal altercation with the victims. One juvenile was shot in the arm, while the other sustained a gunshot wound to the torso. Both were transported to a local hospital and are reported to be in stable condition.

SMPD investigators believe the shooting was not random, stating that the victims and the suspect were acquainted. "This appears to be a targeted attack stemming from a prior dispute," said an SMPD spokesperson. No suspect description has been released, and no arrests have been made as of early Tuesday, June 24, 2025.

The incident has raised questions about the safety of autonomous vehicles in high-risk situations. Witnesses reported that the Waymo vehicle remained stationary during the attack, as its sensors likely registered the approaching suspect as a pedestrian. "What can a Waymo rider do when they see a threat approaching, but the car thinks it's just another person?" asked a local reporter on X, reflecting community concerns about the limitations of driverless technology in emergencies.

Waymo issued a statement expressing concern for the victims and confirming cooperation with law enforcement. "The safety of our riders is our top priority. We are deeply saddened by this incident and are working closely with authorities to assist in their investigation," the company said.

The shooting has shaken the Santa Monica community, with residents calling for increased police presence in the downtown area. "This is a wake-up call," said a local business owner near the incident site. "We need to ensure our streets are safe, especially with new technologies like driverless cars operating."

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491 or submit tips anonymously through their website.

This marks the latest in a series of violent incidents in Santa Monica, prompting renewed discussions about public safety and the integration of autonomous vehicles in urban environments.