- Los Angeles police shot and killed a suspect outside the California Science Center after responding to a report of an armed man.
- Witnesses reported the suspect brandished a rifle before officers opened fire during a confrontation.
- The California Science Center was briefly locked down but plans to resume normal operations on Friday.
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA — Los Angeles police shot and killed a suspect outside the California Science Center in Exposition Park on Thursday morning after officers responded to a report of a man with a rifle, authorities confirmed.
Call Reported Near Exposition Park Drive
Officers responded at about 9:40 a.m. to the 700 block of Exposition Park Drive, near the intersection of Exposition Boulevard and Figueroa Street, following the report of an armed man.
Witness Describes Moments Before Shots Fired
A witness, Stacey Hutchinson, described seeing the suspect with a rifle near the museum. Hutchinson said the suspect briefly interacted with him and then sat on a bench outside the building before officers approached.
Hutchinson said officers confronted the suspect with less-lethal “bean bag” launchers. He described the situation changing when the suspect stood up and retrieved the weapon, and he said the suspect pointed it toward officers before police opened fire.
Scene Secured; No Officer Injuries Reported
Aerial footage from the area showed a canopy set up near the museum entrance over the suspect’s body, with what appeared to be a firearm visible nearby. Authorities reported no injuries to officers.
Police have not released further details on why the suspect was at the location with a weapon, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.
Science Center Briefly Locked Down
The California Science Center was placed under a brief lockdown following the shooting. Officials indicated the museum is expected to resume normal operations on Friday.
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