Updated: 1 p.m. on Feb. 5, 2026
Los Angeles police officers shot and killed a man who appeared to be armed with a rifle outside the California Science Center in Exposition Park on Thursday morning, according to LAPD Deputy Chief Marc Reina.
Reina said police do not yet know the identity of man, who they estimate was about 35 years old.
No police or other community members were injured in the incident, Reina said. The science center was placed briefly on lockdown but reopened. The north side of the museum remains closed, the deputy chief said.
Reina said a motorcycle cop initially spotted the man around 9:30 a.m. carrying what appeared to be a rifle and walking west down State Drive, a small road that runs between the science center and Exposition Park Rose Garden.
Multiple cops responded to the scene and faced off with the man. The subject continued down State Drive, Reina said, before police opened fire.
Los Angeles Fire Department personnel arrived at the scene and pronounced the man dead, Reina said.
The incident will be investigated by department use-of-force investigators, the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office and the LAPD’s inspector general, the deputy chief said.
Investigators have not yet determined what prompted police to open fire, Reina said. Police do not believe the man fired his weapon.
Here’s what a witness saw
Stacey Hutchinson said he was sitting on a bench along State Drive drinking a cup of coffee when the incident unfolded.
He said the man appeared in good spirits and greeted him nonchalantly as he walked up the street before taking a seat. Hutchinson said he saw the man carrying what appeared to be a long gun.
Police initially responded with bean bag guns, Hutchinson said, but drew firearms when the man picked up the weapon.
Police opened fire after the man pointed the apparent rifle in their direction, Hutchinson said.
The man did not appear to be trying to enter the science center, Hutchinson said, and appeared to remain calm until police asked him to drop his weapon.