East Hollywood Tragedy Unfolds: Car Plows into Crowd Outside Nightclub, Dozens Injured, Gunman Opens Fire on Driver

East Hollywood Tragedy Unfolds: Car Plows into Crowd Outside Nightclub, Dozens Injured, Gunman Opens Fire on Driver

East Hollywood, CA – A night of celebration turned into sheer terror early Sunday morning when chaos erupted outside a popular East Hollywood nightclub. Authorities are investigating a harrowing incident in which a man intentionally drove his car into a crowd of people gathered outside the venue, leaving dozens injured in what officials are calling a “targeted and deliberate attack.” The violence did not end there. Mere moments after the rampage, an unidentified individual pulled out a firearm and shot the driver at point-blank range before fleeing the scene, igniting a citywide manhunt.

Timeline of the Incident

The disturbing sequence of events began shortly before 2 a.m. near the intersection of Vermont Avenue and Hollywood Boulevard, where patrons had gathered following the club’s closing hours. Witnesses describe the scene as “unreal,” with screams of panic echoing through the night as a black four-door sedan accelerated into a tightly packed crowd with no signs of slowing down.

“We heard the engine revving, and then the car just came out of nowhere,” said Aaron Lopez, a club-goer who was standing near the front entrance. “People were flying. There was blood, chaos… it was like a warzone.”

Dozens were injured, with at least 15 people transported to nearby hospitals. Several victims are reported to be in critical condition, suffering from broken limbs, head trauma, and internal injuries. First responders arrived swiftly, tending to the injured while trying to secure the scene.

Driver Shot Moments After Crash

In a shocking twist, as bystanders tried to help the wounded and process what had just occurred, a man emerged from the crowd, drew a firearm, and shot the driver multiple times through the shattered driver-side window. The shooter then vanished into the crowd before police arrived.

Authorities have since confirmed that the driver, who has not yet been publicly identified, is in custody and undergoing emergency surgery. He remains in critical condition and is being guarded by law enforcement while hospitalized. Police say they believe the shooter may have known the driver or acted in retaliation, though the full motive remains unclear.

Search for the Gunman

As of early Monday morning, the suspect who opened fire on the driver remains at large. The Los Angeles Police Department has launched a citywide search and is urging anyone with video footage or information to come forward. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is currently being reviewed.

Detective Carla Ramirez of LAPD’s Homicide Unit spoke briefly at a press conference: “We are pursuing all angles in this investigation. Our priority right now is identifying the individual who fired that weapon and understanding the full scope of what took place. The public’s help will be crucial in bringing clarity and justice to this deeply disturbing incident.”

Community Reactions and Support

The East Hollywood community has been left shaken. Vigils are being planned, and local leaders are calling for unity and patience as investigators work to piece together the facts. Mayor Karen Bass released a statement expressing heartbreak and outrage, saying, “Our hearts go out to every victim and family affected by this senseless act of violence. We will not tolerate such acts in our city, and we are committed to finding those responsible.”

Emergency services continue to treat victims across several medical centers. Counseling services are being made available to both victims and witnesses.

Developing Story

As investigators continue their work through the night, the city remains on edge, awaiting answers. Authorities are expected to release more details regarding the suspect, the driver, and the possible motives later today.

We will have live updates and full coverage starting at 6 a.m. on Eyewitness News, including:

• Interviews with victims and eyewitnesses

• Exclusive surveillance footage

• Updates from law enforcement officials

• Information on how the public can assist in the investigation

Stay tuned, and stay safe.