In the early hours of Saturday, July 19, 2025, a harrowing incident unfolded outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, as a vehicle deliberately plowed into a crowd, injuring at least 30 people. The chaotic scene, which occurred around 2 a.m. near the intersection of Santa Monica Boulevard and Vermont Avenue, left seven individuals in critical condition and dozens more hurt, sparking a swift and intensive response from emergency services and law enforcement.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), the driver, later identified as 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, had been ejected from the venue shortly before the crash. Security personnel had escorted Ramirez outside after a dispute inside the club, which was hosting a reggae and hip-hop event from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ramirez then got into his Nissan Versa and, for reasons still under investigation, intentionally drove onto the sidewalk, striking a densely packed crowd waiting to enter the nightclub.
Capt. Ben Fernandes of the LAPD confirmed the deliberate nature of the act, stating, "When you review the video, it's clear that he drove that vehicle down a sidewalk and around a bus. It was an intentional act." The vehicle also struck a taco truck and a valet stand, causing additional injuries to food vendors and attendants in the vicinity. The crowd included clubgoers, valet attendants, and food vendors, some of whom were caught in the path of the car.
Eyewitnesses described the terrifying moments. One witness recounted hearing a loud bang, initially mistaking it for gunfire, before realizing a car had rammed into the crowd. "People everywhere are laying down, unconscious, bleeding out," the witness said. Nearby vendor Maria Medrano narrowly escaped when the vehicle crushed her hot dog stand. She heard what sounded like gunshots following the crash, adding to the pandemonium.
After the vehicle came to a stop, enraged bystanders pulled Ramirez from his car and began assaulting him. During the melee, an unidentified individual shot Ramirez in the buttocks before fleeing the scene on foot. The suspect is described as a bald Hispanic male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighing around 180 pounds, wearing a blue jersey, and possibly armed with a silver revolver. Police have released surveillance footage of the shooter and are actively seeking information to apprehend him.
Ramirez was transported to a hospital, where he underwent surgery. Despite his injuries, he was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, with formal charges pending the district attorney's review. The LAPD has not disclosed whether Ramirez was intoxicated at the time, citing the ongoing investigation and his medical condition.
The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) mobilized an extensive response, dispatching 124 personnel to the scene. They established a large triage area outside the nightclub to treat the injured. In total, 23 victims were taken to local hospitals, with seven in critical condition, six in serious condition, and ten in fair condition. Seven others were treated on-site but declined hospital transport. The injured ranged from their mid-20s to early 30s, with a preliminary count indicating 18 females and 12 males among the victims.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the event as a "heartbreaking tragedy," expressing gratitude to the first responders who worked tirelessly throughout the night to save lives. "The hearts of Angelenos are with all of the victims impacted this morning — a full investigation into what happened is underway," she said in a statement.
The Vermont Hollywood nightclub issued a statement expressing sorrow over the incident and confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that occurred early Saturday morning outside our venue. Our thoughts and heartfelt prayers are with the victims and their families during this difficult time," the statement read. They also announced the postponement of a scheduled event out of respect for those affected.
Authorities continue to investigate the motive behind the attack, exploring whether it was a personal vendetta, related to intoxication, or another factor. The LAPD is reviewing security footage and witness accounts to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the crash. The suspect who shot Ramirez remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous.
This incident adds to a challenging year for Los Angeles, a city grappling with various crises including wildfires and civil unrest. The tragedy outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub has left a community shaken but resilient, as emergency personnel and law enforcement work to bring clarity and justice to the case.
As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting the injured and ensuring accountability. The city mourns the trauma inflicted upon innocent bystanders and stands united in the face of adversity, hoping for swift resolution and healing.
