A Saturday night party in downtown Los Angeles turned into a scene of chaos and heartbreak after a mass shooting left eight people injured and two dead, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. The deadly incident unfolded just after midnight in the early hours of Sunday, sending shockwaves through the local community and reigniting concerns about gun violence in public gatherings.

LAPD officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire near a warehouse-style venue in the 1100 block of South Hope Street, where an unauthorized gathering of more than 100 people was taking place. According to authorities, several partygoers were outside when gunshots erupted, prompting a frantic scramble for safety.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found a chaotic and emotional crowd, with victims scattered near the venue’s entrance and in the surrounding street area. Paramedics immediately began treating the wounded and rushed the most critically injured to nearby hospitals.

Tragically, two victims — a 22-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman — were pronounced dead at the scene. Their names have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. Six other individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 32, suffered gunshot wounds and were hospitalized. Two of them remain in critical condition as of Monday morning.

LAPD Chief Dominic Espinoza addressed the media on Sunday afternoon, expressing condolences to the victims’ families and vowing a full-scale investigation. “This is an unimaginable loss of young life,” said Espinoza. “We will dedicate every resource available to track down those responsible for this senseless act of violence.”

Witnesses described scenes of panic as partygoers fled the gunfire, some breaking down fences and ducking behind parked cars for cover. “It was supposed to be a chill night,” said a 24-year-old attendee who asked not to be named. “Then shots rang out and everyone just scattered. People were screaming and bleeding — it was terrifying.”

Investigators are working to determine how many shooters were involved and whether the shooting was targeted or the result of a dispute that escalated. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses is being reviewed, and detectives are interviewing dozens of witnesses. Authorities have not announced any arrests as of yet.

The party had not received permits from the city, and the property where the event was held was reportedly leased without the owner’s full knowledge of the gathering’s size or scope. LAPD has since shut down the venue and is pursuing further inquiries into the organizers of the event.

Mayor Karen Bass issued a statement Sunday morning, saying, “Our hearts go out to the victims and their families. Gun violence has no place in our communities, and we will not allow our city to be defined by these tragedies.”

Community leaders and anti-violence organizations are also calling for increased safety measures and outreach programs to help prevent future incidents. A candlelight vigil is being organized for later this week near the site of the shooting to honor the lives lost and show solidarity with those affected.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to contact LAPD’s Central Division at (213) 486-6606 or submit anonymous tips through LA Crime Stoppers.

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