August 6, 2026
Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

City Hall Gets Enhanced Security After Council Members Receive Threats

Anonymous Calls Threatened Physical Harm

By Zach Armstrong

Security was bolstered at the Santa Monica City Council meeting Tuesday night after multiple council members received threats. 

Four members received anonymous phone calls that posed various threats including physical harm, said SMMP spokesperson Erika Aklufi. The calls were received the night prior to the meeting. 

Enhanced security measures included an increase in police officers assigned to the meeting and metal detection to those in attendance inside the council chambers. Aklufi described the nature of the incident “rare” and that it is unknown how much longer the added measures will be in place. 

The meeting, which took place Jan. 23 at city hall in the Council Chamber room 205, was not met with any suspicious or concerning activity, said Aklufi.

Previous Article

Santa Monica Fire Department Gets a New Fire Chief

Next Article

Shooting Incident Unfolds on 29th Street in Santa Monica Thursday Morning

You might be interested in …

LAHSA reported an estimated 73,040 people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County, a 1.2% increase from 2025, while Venice and Santa Monica reported declines

Homelessness Reportedly Falls in LA’s Westside as Regional Count Shows Little Change

LAHSA said fewer subsidies created a bottleneck in the rehousing system, reducing the number of people moving from interim housing into permanent homes and limiting available shelter beds. Homelessness declined in Los Angeles’s Westside (City […]

One Less Spark Campaign. The campaign highlights several ways residents can reduce wildfire risk, including securing tow chains so they do not drag on roadways

California Launches Wildfire Prevention Campaign as Fire Danger Rises

The “One Less Spark” campaign encourages Californians to reduce common ignition sources as elevated temperatures and dry conditions increase wildfire risk. California officials have launched a statewide public awareness campaign urging residents to take steps […]