UPDATE: Shootings involving Los Angeles police officers have spiked dramatically in 2025, with a total of 43 shootings reported as of December 8. This marks a significant increase from 26 shootings during the same period last year, according to data released by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The alarming rise in officer-involved shootings comes as law enforcement officials face escalating violence. A shocking 33 suspects have been struck by gunfire this year, compared to just 16 last year. Of the shootings in 2025, 18 involved suspects armed with real firearms, a notable rise from 12 in 2024. Additionally, the number of suspects brandishing imitation or replica guns has surged to 9, up from 4 last year.
In a statement, the LAPD highlighted the increasing danger officers encounter in the line of duty. “A preliminary analysis into the shooting increase shows the encounters our officers are facing this year are more violent and more dangerous,” the department confirmed.
The statistics reveal a grim reality for law enforcement: officers have been fired upon 12 times this year, compared to 7 times in 2024. Furthermore, 6 suspects have been charged with attempted murder of a police officer in 2025, up from 4 last year. In a concerning trend, 15 suspects have faced charges for assaulting officers with deadly weapons, a significant increase from 7 filings during the same timeframe last year.
The LAPD is responding to the rising violence with a commitment to rigorous review processes for each officer-involved shooting, involving multiple layers of internal evaluations and independent oversight. Officers are trained to prioritize de-escalation and to make sound tactical decisions in high-stakes situations, guided by the principle of “Reverence for Human Life.” They are also equipped to request specialized assistance, including input from mental-health professionals when confronting violent individuals.
The increase in shootings reflects a broader trend of violence directed at law enforcement, raising serious concerns about the safety of officers and the communities they serve. The LAPD provides updates on officer-involved shootings, available at lapdonline.org and on their YouTube channel, @LAPDHQ, through “Critical Incident Community Briefings.”
As this situation develops, community members and officials alike are urged to stay informed and engaged, as the implications of these rising violence trends are profound for both law enforcement and public safety.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to monitor this urgent situation.
