A automobile driven by 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez collided with a throng outside The Vermont nightclub in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, early on July 19, 2025, injuring at least 30 people, including seven critically. Targeted by the event, which occurred at around two in the morning, were mostly women waiting in queue for food, valet parking and entry to a reggae and hip-hop show inside the club.
Ramirez was reported to have been expelled from the club before for being drunk and acting disruptively. Then, according to witnesses and police, he slammed his grey Nissan Versa into the crowded sidewalk, shattering a taco shop and a valet podium before ploughing into the throng. Authorities described the situation as “very chaotic” as injured individuals fell and debris flew everywhere. There were complaints of wounds, fractured bones, and trauma injuries.
After the collision, onlookers intervened and pulled Ramirez from his car. He was severely beaten by a man in the mob, who then shot him at least once before fleeing. The shooting suspect is described as a bald male Hispanic man who stands 5’9″, weighs 180 pounds, wearing a blue jersey, and may be carrying a silver revolver. Police are starting a manhunt for the shooter and are urging witnesses to come forward with information.
Over 100 paramedics and Los Angeles Fire Department personnel transported the injured to local hospitals and trauma centres. Six people were badly injured, seven people were still in critical condition, ten people had minor injuries, and seven people left the hospital against medical advice. Among those hurt was Ramirez, who was taken to a neighbouring hospital for surgery. The latest information indicated that he was in detention but had not yet been charged, and that his precise medical state was unknown.
The LAPD initially believed that Ramirez might have passed out before the incident, but they quickly launched an inquiry even though they now had a strong suspicion of a planned act. Surveillance and witness accounts confirmed intentionality, stating that Ramirez turned around before colliding with the crowd. He is currently charged with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, while the motive is yet unknown.
The Vermont club was unharmed structurally, but the community was severely harmed physically and psychologically. Bystanders and rescue services are seen tending to the injured while a grey Nissan is surrounded by blood and debris in photos and videos taken at the scene. The club has stated that it will fully cooperate with law enforcement during the course of the investigation.
Mayor Karen Bass also thanked first responders and those who rushed to the scene of the incident, and she expressed solidarity with the victims, calling the situation a “heartbreaking tragedy.” According to Los Angeles Fire Department Captain Adam VanGerpen, the efforts of onlookers were crucial prior to the arrival of professional rescuers.
The suspect who shot Ramirez is still at large as the investigation is ongoing, and police are working to determine the precise circumstances and motivations behind the car attack and subsequent shooting. The incident has shocked East Hollywood, and a comprehensive investigation is underway to prevent similar catastrophes in the future.
