February 10, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Santa Monica Police Bolster Patrols as Jury Deliberation Begins in Derek Chauvin Trial

Santa Monica police say “no specific intelligence of any unrest” 

By Sam Catanzaro 

Santa Monica police are increasing deployment of officers as the trial of Derek Chauvin in the death of George Floyd goes to the jury in Minneapolis.

On Monday, the trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin went to the hands of a 12 person jury. Chauvin is on trial for killing George Floyd on Memorial Day last year. The event sparked protests across the country, many of which turned destructive, including in Santa Monica.

On May 31, 2020 in Santa Monica rioters–taking advantage of a peaceful protest against the killing of Floyd–looted hundreds of Santa Monica businesses. The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) was criticized for its response to the event, at one point firing tear gas and rubber bullets on a crowd of protestors while just blocks away looters tore through downtown Santa Monica. Former SMPD Chief Cynthia Renaud stepped-down months later due to her handling of the unrest.

With the trial wrapping up, police departments across the country are bracing for potential unrest again when a verdict is released. On Monday, SMPD Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks released a video message laying out preparations for any potential unrest. 

“In the coming week, the Minneapolis jury will begin deliberations in the criminal trial of the officer involved in the death of Mr. Floyd. Because these deliberations and, very likely, the verdict will occur just as the initial stages of the case against the officer- involved in the death of Mr. Wright take place, we here at the Santa Monica Police Department certainly understand that you may be concerned about the safety of our community,” Seabrooks said, referencing the recent fatal shooting of 20-year-old Daunte Wright by a police officer in Brooklyn Center, a Minneapolis-adjacent city. 

According to Seabrooks, as of Monday the Department does not have any specific information or intelligence of potential unrest, however it is still preparing to respond if anything changes. 

“We have been closely monitoring the events in Minneapolis and within our region. As we make other preparations which include multi-agency collaborations and internal systems review, I get to tell you as of this recording, there has been no indication of any threats or any activities specifically targeting our community,” Seabrooks said. “Beginning April 16th, the Police Department will begin a gradual increase in its field-based staffing. You will see our enhanced presence throughout our community.” 

“Because peaceful assembly, as expressive conduct, is protected by the 1st Amendment, the Santa Monica Police Department is committed to assisting and facilitating in this peaceful freedom of expression,” Seabrooks added.

The SMPD also announced an increase in its intelligence unit. Following the May 31 unrest, the SMPD came under fire for ignoring reports on social media that looters were planning on targeting Santa Monica. 

In her video message, Seabrooks advised businesses to refer to an emergency preparedness checklist prepared by Downtown Santa Monica Inc (DTSM). Among the steps businesses are encouraged to take include reviewing insurance policies, taking inventory, clearing outside areas during an emergency event and obtaining boards for storefronts. In addition, the checklist (embedded above), advises the sharing of contact details between neighboring businesses, including after-hours phone numbers. 

DTSM also shared information about hiring private security, 

“If you are interested in hiring private security please follow state guidelines and ensure the security guard has their appropriate guard card, is licensed to carry firearms (if you elect to have an armed guard) and has gone through the appropriate background check to verify they are legitimately qualified to carry a firearm,” DTSM wrote. 

in News
<>Related Posts

Burned Palisades Lot Sells for Nearly $1M: REPORT

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Aerial images show the property was among several homes in the neighborhood destroyed by the fire A vacant lot in...

Palisades Symphony to Host Benefit Concert to Support Displaced Musicians

February 10, 2025

February 10, 2025

Several members of the Palisades Symphony lost their homes in the fires, making this concert a deeply personal effort The...

What about are you protected from future wildfires?

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the recent wildfires and Santa Ana windstorms in Southern California. We...

Shore Hotel Remains Sustainability Leader

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

By Susan Payne On track to open its new coastal-inspired restaurant, Shore Hotel has excited new offerings and initiatives this...

Rescheduled 2024 Homeless Count Needs More Volunteers on the Westside

February 9, 2025

February 9, 2025

Not Enough Volunteers to Successfully Count Unhoused Angelenos This Year With the rescheduled dates for the 2025 Greater Los Angeles...

Student Protest Over Immigration Policies Leads to Walkouts Across the Westside

February 7, 2025

February 7, 2025

Walkout Turns Tense as Counter-Protester Confronts Teen in Video From Venice Students from Santa Monica High School (SAMOHI), Culver City...

10-Year-Old Palisades Girl Wins Martial Arts Medals Weeks After Losing Home to Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Savoian, a green belt in Yoshukai karate, trained at Gerry Blanck’s Martial Arts Center in Pacific Palisades Just weeks after...

Open Arms Art Show Runs Through Mar. 22 in Burbank

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Opening Exhibition Saturday Feb. 8 from 12 to 8p.m. More than an art show, the Open Arms Exhibition is an...

Quiet Luxury: What’s Inside the New Regent Boutique and Sweet July

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

The Regent Santa Monica Beach, known for its perfect Santa Monica getaways, or local dining at its Mediterranean-based restaurant Orla...

Santa Monica Waives Outdoor Dining Fees After Wildfires

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

101 businesses participate in Santa Monica’s outdoor dining programs, which began as a temporary measure during COVID-19 In an effort...

(Photos) Kamala Harris Visits Destruction of Palisades Fire

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Harris spoke with first responders, service providers, and evacuees about recovery efforts and resources Former Vice President Kamala Harris joined...

Film Review: Companion

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

FILM REVIEWCOMPANIONRated R97 MinutesReleased January 31st Companion is like an O. Henry short story, moving at a breezy clip, with...

Best Spots to Celebrate Valentines, Galentines, or Have a Super Bowl Party on the Westside

February 6, 2025

February 6, 2025

Cocktails, Game Day Grub, Valentine’s Pasta, and a Lonely Heart’s Tea Service You will find many excellent ways to celebrate...

Dead Body Found on Sands of Venice Beach, Investigation Underway

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

A death investigation is underway By Zach Armstrong A death investigation is underway after local officials discovered a dead body...

Will Rogers State Beach to Become Temporary Hazardous Waste Site

February 5, 2025

February 5, 2025

The site, located on flat, open land near the burn zone, will serve as a staging area where materials will...