California officer killed knife-wielding man after sudden attack: bodycam video

The Santa Monica Police Department has released bodycam footage of a harrowing attack on an officer outside their headquarters in October. The incident unfolded at around 5:21 p.m. on October 5, when the officer was stepping outside to speak with a woman regarding an unrelated call. The bodycam video captured three individuals outside the building – the suspect, later identified as 28-year-old Deyaa Abdelhadi Halaibeh, the woman, and another man.

In the video, the officer can be heard attempting to engage Halaibeh in conversation before things took a drastic turn. Halaibeh, with one hand inside his jacket, was questioned by the officer about the contents of his jacket. Moments later, Halaibeh lunged at the officer with a knife, stabbing and slashing him. The officer managed to retreat to the side of the building, where he armed himself with his gun as Halaibeh continued his attack.

In a tense moment captured on camera, the officer fired shots at Halaibeh, causing him to stumble and drop the knife. However, Halaibeh picked up the weapon and advanced towards the officer once again, prompting the officer to shoot him. Halaibeh was pronounced dead at the scene, while the officer was taken to a hospital for treatment and later released.

Halaibeh, a New York resident with no prior criminal record in California, had reportedly stolen an eight-inch chef’s knife from a Target store just before the incident. Surveillance footage showed him assaulting an employee during the theft. It remains unclear what motivated Halaibeh to attack the officer.

The Santa Monica Police Department emphasized the importance of transparency in releasing video and audio recordings of critical incidents involving the use of deadly force. They underscored the need for law enforcement personnel to understand their authority and the serious implications of using force in the line of duty.

This sobering incident serves as a reminder of the inherent risks faced by law enforcement officers in the course of their duties. It also highlights the swift and decisive actions taken by the officer to protect himself and others from harm. The release of the bodycam footage sheds light on the dangerous and unpredictable nature of police work and underscores the importance of accountability and transparency in such cases.