Two people were killed and six others were wounded in a mass shooting at a warehouse party in downtown Los Angeles early Monday morning, marking the latest incident of violence at unsanctioned gatherings in the area. The shooting occurred at approximately 1:00 a.m. on August 5, 2025, in the 1100 block of 14th Place, an industrial zone near the Santa Monica Freeway.
The incident unfolded after police had initially responded to the same location around 11:00 p.m. on August 4 to shut down what officers described as a large party with 50 to 60 attendees. During that first response, officers witnessed someone carrying a gun enter the building and arrested one person for firearm possession before clearing the scene.
Two hours later, officers returned to the area following reports of gunfire and discovered eight people struck by bullets. A male victim in his late twenties was pronounced dead at the scene, while a woman in her early fifties died after being transported to a hospital. The six wounded victims, ranging in age from 26 to 62, were taken to local hospitals, with at least one listed in critical condition.
One of the deceased victims was identified as 29-year-old Gregory Derisso. His father, Judner Derisso, told local media that his son was a father of three young children and was supposed to have dinner with him but never arrived. The elder Derisso described his son as a good gentleman and father.
A partygoer who witnessed the shooting reported hearing what sounded like 100 shots fired outside the venue, causing people to stampede out of the warehouse and scatter into the street. Another witness, Tyrone Laney, who lives in a nearby temporary housing encampment, indicated that partygoers returned approximately one hour after police broke up the initial gathering and that he heard a burst of gunfire around 1:00 a.m. that sounded like an automatic weapon.
Initial reports suggested the warehouse party was promoted on social media as an unofficial after-party for the Hard Summer music festival, which took place over the weekend at Hollywood Park in Inglewood. However, festival representatives confirmed they had zero affiliation with the warehouse event.
A law enforcement source told the Los Angeles Times that the warehouse party was actually part of a local gang’s “hood day” celebration and was not connected to the nearby music festival after-party. Police recovered at least half a dozen guns at the scene and made at least one arrest of a woman found in possession of a firearm.
Organizers of a separate, legitimate unofficial Hard Summer after-party taking place nearby that same night clarified on social media that the shooting incident occurred at a completely separate hip-hop event that had been shut down and escalated independently. They emphasized that everyone at their event remained safe.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass condemned the violence, stating that “this senseless violence and loss of life is devastating.” The mayor emphasized there would be no tolerance for violence in the city and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
The shooting highlights ongoing issues with unsanctioned parties in downtown Los Angeles’ industrial areas. Anthony Rodriguez, president and chief executive of the Fashion District business improvement district, reported that there were 11 unauthorized parties in the Fashion District alone on the Saturday preceding the shooting. Rodriguez noted that these unpermitted events lack safety protocols and are often associated with underage drinking, illegal drug use, and prostitution.
The warehouse district where the shooting occurred consists largely of vacant buildings left over from a once-robust industrial economy. Many of these expansive structures provide attractive venues for underground parties and illegal operations, according to Estela Lopez, executive director for the L.A. Downtown Industrial District business improvement district.
The industrial areas typically empty out by mid-afternoon when businesses close, giving party promoters ample time to set up events in nearby buildings. These areas remain dark and desolate with fewer police patrols compared to residential or commercial districts, and many buildings lack windows that would make activities visible to passing officers.
As of Monday afternoon, no arrests had been made in connection with the shooting. The Los Angeles Police Department has not identified any suspects or determined a motive for the violence. Investigators remained at the scene for several hours following the incident.
