Terror on the Boulevard: West Hollywood Driver Charged with 74 Felonies After Plowing into Crowd

West Hollywood, CA It was just after 6:30 p.m. on a warm Saturday evening when dozens of people strolled along Santa Monica Boulevard in celebration, enjoying a weekend tradition in the heart of L.A.’s LGBTQ+ district. Music filled the air. Drinks clinked at patio tables. Then, in an instant, that joy turned to horror.

A gray sedan barreled through the intersection at an alarming speed, striking dozens of pedestrians before finally crashing to a halt. Witnesses screamed, some running for cover, others rushing toward the injured. By the time the dust settled, 37 people were hurt, including 7 critically injured.

Authorities have charged Fernando Ramirez, 29, of Los Angeles, with 74 felony counts, including attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon.

Chaos in the Crosswalk

Surveillance footage, cellphone videos, and eyewitness testimony have painted a disturbing portrait of what unfolded that evening. Ramirez allegedly sped westbound along Santa Monica Boulevard and veered into a crowded pedestrian zone without warning. Victims were thrown into the air. Screams echoed through the chaos.

"It was like a war zone," said Raul Hernandez, who had been standing outside a bar just feet from the crash. “Bodies everywhere, people crying, glass shattered. It happened so fast.”

Ramirez reportedly exited the vehicle after the crash and was confronted by several bystanders who detained him until Los Angeles County Sheriff’s deputies arrived. Officers stated Ramirez became combative, and after allegedly reaching for something in his waistband, he was shot once by law enforcement.

He was transported to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, where he remains in stable condition under police custody.

A Crime with Chilling Scope

On Monday, Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón announced a sweeping list of charges: 37 counts of attempted murder and 37 counts of assault with a deadly weapon — one for each person injured during the rampage.

“This was not an accident,” Gascón said during a press conference. “This was a deliberate act, and we will pursue justice for every victim affected by this senseless violence.”

Prosecutors have not yet determined a motive. No drugs or alcohol were found in Ramirez’s system, and there is currently no indication of terrorism or hate crimes based on preliminary findings. However, the investigation remains active, and officials are reviewing the suspect’s phone, social media, and background for any evidence of planning or intent.

Who Is Fernando Ramirez?

Little is known publicly about the accused. Neighbors in his East Hollywood apartment complex described Ramirez as “quiet” and “sometimes strange,” but no previous incidents involving violence have been reported.

However, law enforcement sources confirmed that Ramirez has a history of mental health issues and has been hospitalized multiple times under California’s 5150 law, which allows for involuntary psychiatric holds.

“He was known to authorities,” a source close to the investigation shared on background. “But nothing on his record predicted this kind of large-scale violence.”

His defense attorney has not made a formal statement, but legal experts suggest Ramirez’s mental state could play a major role in upcoming proceedings.

The Victims: A Community Shaken

Among the 37 people injured, the ages ranged from 16 to 74. Some were tourists visiting from out of state; others were longtime locals celebrating the weekend. At least 7 individuals remain in critical condition, including two teens who had been walking hand-in-hand across the street.

City officials have pledged resources for all victims and their families. “We will not let this act of violence tear us apart,” said West Hollywood Mayor John Erickson. “We will heal — together.”

In the days following the attack, thousands gathered at a candlelight vigil along Santa Monica Boulevard. Flowers lined the sidewalk. Volunteers handed out water, and therapists offered free counseling to witnesses and survivors. The message: resilience.

Legal Road Ahead

Ramirez’s arraignment is set for July 23, and prosecutors have indicated they may seek a life sentence without parole if convicted on all charges. Though the death penalty is technically available under California law for cases involving mass violence, it remains suspended under Governor Gavin Newsom’s moratorium.

Key questions remain: Was this a targeted attack? Was it a mental health crisis? Could it have been prevented?

Officials with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department are urging anyone who witnessed the attack or has video footage to contact investigators. "Every piece of evidence matters," said LASD Captain Jeanine Reyes. "We owe it to the victims."

A City Reckons

As West Hollywood continues to process the attack, the community is also grappling with broader issues pedestrian safety, mental health care gaps, and the role of law enforcement in preemptively identifying dangerous individuals.

“We need to talk about the system failures that let someone with documented instability endanger so many lives,” said activist and local resident Jamal Torres. “It’s not just about punishing the individual — it’s about fixing what’s broken.”

For now, though, the focus remains on healing and demanding answers.