At Least 30 Injured After Vehicle Strikes Crowd Outside LA Nightclub; Driver Shot

In a shocking incident that has left the city of Los Angeles reeling, at least 30 people were injured—seven critically—when a vehicle crashed into a crowd of people waiting outside a popular nightclub in East Hollywood early Saturday morning. The event has sparked a wave of concern across the city, with emergency services, law enforcement, and community members working together to manage the aftermath.

Chaotic Scene at the Nightclub

According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, the vehicle drove through a taco stand, a valet podium, and then into the crowd of people waiting in line to enter The Vermont Hollywood music venue. Captain Adam VanGerpen, a public information officer for the Los Angeles City Fire Department, described the scene as 'very chaotic.'

'They drove through a taco stand, through the valet podium, and then through the crowd of people that were waiting to go inside,' VanGerpen said.

Driver Assailed by Bystanders, Shot

Once the vehicle came to a stop, the driver was pulled out by bystanders and physically assaulted. During the altercation, one of the onlookers shot the driver, according to Jeff Lee, a public information officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. The police believe the driver was intoxicated, and there is no evidence of any other criminal intent or connection to terrorism, a law enforcement official told CNN.

Injuries and Medical Response

Seven victims were transported in critical condition, six in serious condition, and 10 in fair condition, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Seven patients refused transport after being assessed on scene. The victims, mostly young adults, included 18 women and 12 men in their mid-20s to early 30s, according to Lillian Carranza, a commander with the LAPD.

Patients with broken bones and soft tissue injuries were transported to appropriate trauma centers and surrounding hospitals. One of the victims also had a gunshot wound, according to VanGerpen.

Driver in Custody, Suspect Still at Large

The driver was transported to the hospital and is undergoing surgery, but is in stable condition. However, he is not free to leave. He is in the custody of the Los Angeles Police Department, and authorities are looking at charges such as attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, according to Carranza.

The male suspect who shot the driver, wearing a blue jersey, fled the scene, according to the LAPD. Police believe a silver revolver was used in the shooting. 'We consider him armed and dangerous right now,' Lee said.

Community Response and Investigation Underway

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called the incident a 'heartbreaking tragedy' and praised the over 100 LAFD and LAPD personnel who responded to the scene 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.

Video of the incident showed multiple injured people on the street and sidewalk being treated for their injuries. Some were seen being taken away on stretchers as police cordoned off the area. 'People were helping each other out,' VanGerpen said. 'They were waiting to go inside there, they're ordering tacos, so they're seeing people that they don’t even know are injured. They’re stepping in to help them out.'

Emergency Services Coordinate Response

The fire department coordinated patient triage and transport from the incident that happened around 2am local time. The department said 124 fire personnel assisted at the scene.

This tragic event serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable nature of public spaces and the importance of vigilance and community solidarity in times of crisis.