By Lookout Staff

February -- Police evacuated the Santa Monica Pier for two hours Tuesday after receiving reports of a bomb threat targeting the popular tourist destination.

The bomb threat, however, turned out to be a hoax, police officials said.

"We searched the entire pier and the surrounding area and determined it was a hoax," said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson.

At 10:44 a.m., the Police Department posted an alert on X, formerly known as Tweeter.

"Attention: For your safety, please avoid the Pier area until further notice. Law enforcement is currently investigating a bomb threat.

"Your cooperation is crucial in ensuring the safety of everyone in the vicinity. Please remain vigilant and adhere to any instructions provided by authorities."

Shortly after noon, SMPD issued an update. "After a comprehensive search, we've found no threat and are preparing to reopen the Pier shortly."

The Pier was reopened at 12:22 p.m., police said.

The threat comes four months after the Pier was evacuated on October 9 after a man claiming to have a bomb climbed the Pacific Park Ferris wheel ("Police Evacuate Pier After Bomb Threat," October 9, 2023).

The subject, who was not armed with any explosives or other weapons, was transported to a hospital and treated for a mental health crisis.

The Pier was also evacuated after a bomb-scare in September 2017 ("Bomb Scare Prompts Temporary Evacuation of Santa Monica Pier," September 11, 2017).

After a search, police zeroed in on a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot south of the pier, but a Los Angeles County Sheriff's bomb squad deemed the vehicle safe.