Authorities are actively searching for a gunman involved in a shocking incident outside a popular East Hollywood music venue early Saturday morning. The gunman allegedly shot a man who intentionally drove into a crowd, injuring dozens. Officer Norma Eisenman, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), confirmed on Sunday that the suspect remains at large and was last seen fleeing west on Vermont Avenue, wearing a blue jersey and possibly armed with a silver revolver.
According to LAPD Captain Ben Fernandes, the chaotic scene unfolded when nightclub security attempted to detain the driver, identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez. Ramirez had been ejected from the Vermont Hollywood club earlier that night before he returned around 2 a.m. in a vehicle. His reckless driving struck several street vendors and numerous late-night clubgoers, leading to multiple medical emergencies and igniting outrage among the crowd.
Bystanders quickly intervened, pulling Ramirez from his vehicle and physically attacking him. Video footage shows Ramirez being punched and kicked. During this commotion, another man emerged from across the street and shot Ramirez in the buttocks. LAPD officials reported that Ramirez underwent surgery for his injuries and is currently in stable condition. He is expected to face several felony charges related to the incident.
The incident resulted in approximately 30 injuries, with seven individuals critically hurt. At least 23 people were hospitalized, but as of Sunday, the LAPD had no updates on the victims' conditions. Given the scale of the gathering, Captain Fernandes remarked that the situation could have easily escalated into a mass casualty event, calling the outcome a "miracle."
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with one individual stating they saw at least 30 people on the ground following the crash. Another witness likened the experience to a movie, recalling the sight of shoes, money, and even hot dog stands being struck by the vehicle. Eduardo Lopez, who was operating a taco truck nearby, expressed fear and concern, noting how quickly the situation escalated as people ran in panic.
In the aftermath of the incident, over 120 firefighters and paramedics responded to the scene, leaving the popular music venue in a state of eerie silence. Event organizers quickly canceled what was expected to be a sold-out show that evening, citing the "unfortunate accident" from the previous night. In a statement shared on Instagram, musicians and organizers emphasized, "The safety and enjoyment of our guests remain our top priority, and out of respect for the individuals impacted, we believe it would be inappropriate to continue with tonight’s event."
The Vermont Hollywood club also addressed the tragic incident in a public statement, expressing their deep sadness and commitment to cooperating with law enforcement to ensure the perpetrator is held accountable. The venue had hosted the Trapeton Party the night before, a popular event featuring reggaetón and hip-hop music, drawing a predominantly Latino crowd. Plans for an electronic dance music set on Saturday were abruptly postponed, with organizers promising that tickets would be honored at a rescheduled date in August.
