A Gentle Life Ended by a Senseless Act of Violence
In a horrifying act that has shaken the Jefferson Park community to its core, 89-year-old Robert Knight was tragically killed on Saturday, August 23, 2025, during a violent incident involving gunfire, a SWAT standoff, and a heavily armed suspect. What began as a quiet afternoon turned into a scene of chaos and loss when Robert, a man who had lived a long, peaceful life, became the innocent victim of a senseless and brutal attack.
Around 1:10 p.m., police responded to a call on West 23rd Street, where they were informed a man had been attacked and lay injured in front of a house. That man was Robert Knight. As officers arrived to assist him, the suspect—identified as 40-year-old Andrew Smith—opened fire on police, triggering a tactical response that would last for hours. Amid the crossfire and tension, Robert’s life slipped away before emergency personnel could save him.
He was officially identified by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner days later, but for those who knew him, the loss was immediate—and heartbreaking.
A Beloved Elder Taken in the Worst Way
Robert Knight was not just a name in a police report—he was a kind, humble, and gentle man. A father, grandfather, neighbor, and friend, Robert was deeply rooted in the Jefferson Park community where he had lived for decades. Known for his quiet walks, his wisdom, and the stories he shared from a life well-lived, his presence brought calm and familiarity to all who crossed his path.
For him to lose his life in such a violent and terrifying way is a tragedy no words can properly convey. He was a man who deserved peace, dignity, and protection—not fear, injury, and isolation on a sidewalk outside his own community. The thought of his final moments—alone, surrounded by chaos and pain—is enough to bring tears to even the strongest among us.
As investigators continue to sort through the events that unfolded, Robert’s family and loved ones are left to pick up the pieces of a shattered life. They mourn not only the loss of their patriarch but also the cruel and unnecessary way in which he was taken from them.
A Community Mourns, and Demands Accountability
After the prolonged standoff, SWAT officers apprehended Smith in a second-floor bedroom, where he had reportedly stabbed himself multiple times. He is currently hospitalized in critical condition. Inside the home, authorities recovered multiple dangerous weapons, including a loaded 9mm assault-style pistol, high-capacity magazines, and knives—proof of the violent threat that loomed over the neighborhood that day.
Though no officers were injured, the psychological scars left on the community—and especially on Robert Knight’s family—will not fade quickly. The LAPD Force Investigation Division and Robbery Homicide Division are now investigating, and many are calling for swift justice.
As neighbors leave flowers on the sidewalk where Robert fell, and his family gathers to mourn a man who meant so much to them, one thing is clear: Robert Knight did not deserve this. He deserved peace, safety, and the respect earned over a lifetime.
Rest in eternal peace, Robert. You were loved, and your life mattered.
