Los Angeles, CA — A warehouse party in downtown Los Angeles turned deadly early Monday morning, leaving two people dead and six others wounded in what officials say is the latest violent incident tied to the city’s growing problem with illegal underground gatherings.
The shooting occurred just after 1 a.m. Monday outside a warehouse in the 1100 block of 14th Place, roughly two hours after LAPD had already broken up the same party for safety concerns.
Party Shut Down, Then Chaos Returned
Los Angeles Police responded initially around 11 p.m. Sunday, shutting down a “big party” after spotting a man possibly armed with a gun enter the building. That individual was arrested, but the event resumed after officers left, drawing more partygoers back into the area.
By 1 a.m., police were called again — this time for reports of gunfire. When officers arrived, they found eight people shot. One man in his late 20s was pronounced dead at the scene. A woman in her early 50s later died at the hospital. The other six victims were hospitalized with various injuries.
“This senseless violence and loss of life is devastating,” said Mayor Karen Bass in a statement. “There will be no tolerance for violence in this city.”
Gang Ties and Firearms Seized
A law enforcement source confirmed to the Los Angeles Times that the party was tied to a local gang’s “hood day” celebration. Police recovered at least six firearms at the scene and arrested a woman carrying a gun.
One witness, speaking anonymously, described hearing what sounded like “100 shots,” causing a stampede as panicked partygoers fled into the streets.
By midmorning, detectives had marked nearly 50 pieces of evidence, including bullet casings, on the ground near the site.
Growing Threat From Unsanctioned Parties
This deadly shooting is part of a disturbing trend of unsanctioned, late-night warehouse parties in LA’s industrial corridors. These gatherings are often unpermitted, with no safety protocols and links to illegal drugs, underage drinking, and in some cases, prostitution, according to Fashion District Business Improvement District President Anthony Rodriguez.
“Nothing good comes out of these parties,” Rodriguez said. “It’s going unaddressed. There’s no consequences.”
The location of the shooting — a largely vacant industrial area — offers cover for promoters, thanks to empty warehouses, minimal police patrols, and early business closures in the surrounding area.
City Crackdown Urged
In response to rising violence and underground party activity, City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto has filed lawsuits against property owners harboring illegal after-hours venues. One building — previously a marijuana dispensary and gambling hub — was recently shut down after a fatal nightclub shooting in 2023.
“We are holding the property owners accountable and putting a stop to illegal activities that have continually disrupted this neighborhood,” Feldstein Soto said in a prior statement.
Community Devastated
By Monday morning, family members of the victims gathered at the scene. Some wept as detectives returned belongings in orange evidence bags, including keys and clothing.
Nearby residents, including those in temporary housing, said the shooting came minutes after music had resumed, shaking the sidewalks with bass just before bullets erupted.
“It just happened so fast,” said Tyrone Laney, a resident who witnessed the shooting. “You knew that if those bullets landed in somebody, that they weren’t walking away.”
No suspects have been identified as of Monday afternoon, and police are asking anyone with information to come forward.
What are your thoughts on this tragedy and the city’s ongoing battle with illegal parties? Let us know in the comments.
