Santa Monica College Recap: October 14 Workplace Violence Incident at Center for Media and Design

Santa Monica, October 21, 2024 – The community at Santa Monica College (SMC) continues to process the tragic workplace shooting that occurred on October 14, 2024, at the Center for Media and Design (CMD). The incident resulted in the loss of Custodial Operations Manager Felicia Hudson and the subsequent death of the suspect, SMC custodian Davon Dean. Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) remains the lead investigating agency in the case, which has sent waves of grief and shock throughout the campus.

Following the incident, SMC leadership and police worked in coordination with SMPD to provide timely updates and ensure campus safety. SMPD confirmed that the event was an act of workplace violence, not a random attack. Below is a detailed timeline of the college's immediate response to the shooting and answers to pressing questions raised by the SMC community.

Timeline of Events:

- 9:50 p.m.: Custodial Operations Manager Felicia Hudson was fatally shot by the suspect, SMC custodian Davon Dean, at CMD. Dean fled the scene immediately after the incident.

- 9:53 p.m.: SMCPD was notified by SMPD of the shooting, prompting a full-scale response. Law enforcement from SMCPD, SMPD, and the Santa Monica Fire Department arrived on the scene shortly after.

- 10:01 p.m.: A lockdown of CMD and other campus facilities was initiated.

- 10:21 p.m.: The gunshot victim, Hudson, was transported to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

- 11:00 p.m.: SMC senior staff convened at SMCPD headquarters for briefings while the investigation continued.

Safety and Support Measures:

In response to the shooting, SMC canceled on-ground classes and moved services online from October 16 to October 20, 2024, allowing time for the community to heal. A candlelight vigil in Hudson’s memory was held on October 17, and a celebration of life followed on October 18 at the Broad Stage.

SMCPD has increased patrols across campuses, and mental health resources, including counseling sessions and wellness events, are being made available for staff and students. Additionally, SMC leadership is reviewing safety protocols and procedures to strengthen security measures.

Community Impact:

As more information emerges from the ongoing investigation, SMC is working closely with the SMPD to ensure transparency while respecting the constraints of the case. The college remains committed to supporting its community during this difficult time.

For more information on the incident and available resources, please visit SMC’s official news page or SMPD’s press release on the case.