Last night, 13 people were shot outside an Arizona nightclub to see Nipsey Hussle. Nipsey didn’t perform. No arrests have been made, but police are in search of two suspects.
UPDATE: Nipsey releases a statement:
My deepest thoughts and sympathies go out to the victims and their families who were affected by the tragic event that took place last night in Arizona, and I pray for the speedy recovery for anyone involved.
Contrary to current media reports, it’s important note that these shootings did NOT happen inside a venue, concert, or show in which I was booked to perform, and at the time of the incident, I was in my hotel room.
I grew up on the streets of south central Los Angeles and have witnessed many tragedies in my lifetime. I never glorify any situation like this and think it is disgusting. Any fan of my music knows that I strongly oppose gun violence, and that I represent nothing but peace and progress through hard work… that anyone can overcome adversity no matter what your social status in life, which is clearly addressed on my latest release, “The Marathon Continues.â€
Many people will wrongfully attribute this incident to the hip-hop culture, which is purely and simply false. The alleged shooters were not ticket holders for my performance. Regardless, this incident is a tragic reminder of the circumstances that face our community every day, and my heart and prayers go out to the victims of this, and all the other senseless acts of violence occurring every day in our communities.
– Nipsey
