News Summary
In a shocking incident in East Hollywood, a driver intentionally drove into a crowd outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub, injuring at least 36 people. The driver, Fernando Ramirez, had a history of violence and was removed from the club shortly before the attack. Many victims required hospitalization for serious injuries. The Los Angeles Police Department is treating the case as a violent attack, while bystanders helped stop the driver after the ramming. Concerns about public safety in nightlife areas have heightened following the incident.
East Hollywood – A driver intentionally drove a car into a crowd outside The Vermont Hollywood nightclub in the early hours of Saturday morning, resulting in multiple injuries. At approximately 2 a.m., 29-year-old Fernando Ramirez, who has a history of violence, drove his Nissan Versa onto the sidewalk, striking several street vendors and dozens of people leaving the nightclub after an event.
The incident left at least 36 individuals injured, with injuries ranging from minor pain to serious fractures and lacerations. Among them, at least 23 people required hospitalization. Witnesses reported a scene of panic as clubgoers scrambled to escape the vehicle’s path.
Police confirmed that Ramirez had been removed from the nightclub by security just eight minutes before he carried out the attack. Eyewitness accounts highlighted the chaos, with individuals attempting to flee and some rushing to provide assistance to the victims. Surveillance video obtained by authorities has led them to classify the act as intentional.
Emergency services were quick to respond to the scene, deploying over 120 firefighters and paramedics to assist those injured. The Los Angeles Police Department is now investigating the incident, with Captain Ben Fernandes stating that they are treating it as a violent attack.
After the ramming, bystanders intervened, managing to pull Ramirez from his vehicle. During the confrontation, he was shot in the buttocks by an unidentified individual who remains at large. Police have released a description of the shooter, including physical characteristics and clothing worn at the time of the incident.
Authorities have confirmed that Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon likely to produce great bodily injury. This incident is particularly concerning given Ramirez’s lengthy criminal history, with 11 cases filed against him over the past 11 years, including several violent charges.
Of note is Ramirez’s previous conviction for a hate crime in Orange County, which was later overturned by an appeals court. In 2019, he was involved in an attack on a Black employee at a Whole Foods Market, which he claimed was motivated by racial hatred. His history raises serious questions about his behavior and the effectiveness of previous interventions.
The Vermont Hollywood nightclub, where the incident occurred during a reggae/hip-hop event, expressed their sorrow about the situation in a public statement. They confirmed their cooperation with law enforcement in the ongoing investigation. In light of the tragic event, a scheduled event for the same night was canceled as a mark of respect for the victims and their families.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass described the situation as a “heartbreaking tragedy,” underscoring the city’s commitment to a thorough investigation of the incident. Ramirez, after receiving medical treatment for his injuries, has been reported to be in stable condition.
This incident has heightened concerns regarding public safety in nightlife districts and the need for measures to prevent such violent acts in the future. With the investigation still active, police continue to seek information from the public regarding the events of that night. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact local law enforcement.
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