LAPD Shooting Near California Science Center Leaves One Dead

An investigation is underway after police opened fire on an armed suspect in a busy cultural area of Los Angeles.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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One person was killed Thursday morning after Los Angeles police opened fire on a suspect in the parking lot next to the California Science Center in Exposition Park. Officers had rushed to the scene on reports of an armed person, and witnesses captured tense footage of patrol SUVs and ambulances flooding the museum's lot.

Why it matters

The California Science Center sits in a busy cultural and educational corridor, drawing families and school groups during the day, so any police action there can quickly ripple through visitor traffic and transit in the area. Officer-involved shootings are also a sensitive and controversial topic, especially in urban areas.

The details

According to NBC Los Angeles, the LAPD received a call at about 9:30 a.m. reporting an armed man at the museum and said the suspect was hit by an officer's gunfire. The station's video showed what appeared to be a rifle on the ground as first responders worked the scene.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday morning around 9:30 a.m.

The players

LAPD

The Los Angeles Police Department, which responded to the incident and opened fire on the armed suspect.

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What’s next

The LAPD and Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office will continue to investigate the incident and release more details as they become available.

The takeaway

This shooting in a busy cultural area of Los Angeles highlights the ongoing challenges and controversies surrounding officer-involved shootings, especially in urban settings where public spaces and institutions can be impacted.