Shots rang out at 1OAK nightclub in West Hollywood at around 1:30 AM Sunday … and Suge Knight was shot twice and taken to the hospital by ambulance where he’s currently in surgery … eyewitnesses and Suge’s family tell TMZ. A source close to Suge tells us … he was shot in the stomach and arm.

Tyson Beckford, Robert Ri’chard and Apple de Ap all tell TMZ … they were inside the pre-VMA party hosted by Chris Brown when they heard 4 shots ring out inside the club. Suge walked out on his own power … a cop spotted him and walked the rap mogul to the police car where Suge sat. Suge was then put in an ambulance and taken to a local hospital.

We do not know the nature of Suge’s injuries. Multiple sources now tell us Suge was one of 3 people were were shot. At least 1 is in critical condition. Sheriff’s deputies had guns drawn as clubgoers exited with their hands in the air right after the shooting.