In the early hours of July 19, a shocking incident unfolded outside The Vermont nightclub in East Hollywood, Los Angeles. A drunk man, recently ejected from the venue for causing a disturbance, returned behind the wheel of his car and intentionally plowed into a crowd of people waiting outside.
Authorities say the vehicle first smashed into a taco truck parked outside the club, then veered through the valet area and slammed directly into the queue of clubgoers.
At least 30 people were injured in the rampage, including 18 women and 12 men — most in their 20s and 30s. Seven victims remain in critical condition, while six sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
After the crash, enraged bystanders pulled the suspect out of the car. Security personnel handcuffed him before an angry crowd began assaulting him. Amid the chaos, someone across the street reportedly opened fire on the suspect. The shooter, described as a man wearing a blue tracksuit and carrying a silver revolver, fled the scene on foot and is still at large.
The suspect was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and is currently in police custody. According to LAPD spokesperson Ben Fernandes, the motive does not appear to be terrorism or part of a larger criminal plot — the man was simply drunk and acting out of anger.
Police are considering charges including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon. Investigations into the identity of the gunman and further details about the crash are ongoing.
