Teen Suspect Arrested for Shooting at Santa Monica Pier

18-year-old Jaysawn Williams charged with assault and negligent discharge of firearm after incident that injured two people

Mar. 17, 2026 at 2:48pm

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An 18-year-old suspect named Jaysawn Williams has been arrested for a shooting incident at the popular Santa Monica Pier that left two people injured and sparked panic among the crowds. Williams was taken into custody after seeking treatment at a local hospital for a gunshot wound. He has been charged with assault with a firearm and grossly negligent discharge of a firearm.

Why it matters

The shooting at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, a major tourist destination, has raised concerns about public safety and security at crowded events and attractions. It also highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence, even in seemingly safe and family-friendly environments.

The details

According to police, the shooting occurred on Sunday night and was sparked by a large brawl on the pier. In addition to Williams, a second victim suffered a gunshot wound to the arm. Video footage showed crowds of people, including children, fleeing in panic as the shots rang out. The pier was temporarily closed as authorities searched for the shooter.

  • The shooting incident occurred on Sunday, March 15, 2026.
  • Williams was arrested and booked on charges after seeking treatment at a local hospital.

The players

Jaysawn Williams

An 18-year-old resident of Rialto, California who was arrested and charged with assault with a firearm and grossly negligent discharge of a firearm in connection with the shooting incident at the Santa Monica Pier.

Santa Monica Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the shooting incident and made the arrest of Jaysawn Williams.

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What they’re saying

“A lot of screaming. Everybody was screaming and running. It was crazy.”

— Jenna Hannaford, Witness

“It appeared that the kids ran, the guy who shot, and then the police began to take control of searching for … what they did is they closed the exit for a while. They were looking car by car for a potential shooter, and then they went to the beach. It lasted for a couple hours.”

— Dennee, Business owner

What’s next

Williams is set to appear before a court on Tuesday morning for his initial hearing on the charges.

The takeaway

The shooting incident at the Santa Monica Pier highlights the ongoing challenge of gun violence in public spaces, even at popular tourist destinations. It raises questions about security measures and emergency response protocols at crowded events to protect public safety.