Thirteen people were shot in the parking lot of Tempe, Arizona’s Clubhouse Music Venue on Friday (March 2).
Rapper Nipsey Hussle was scheduled to appear at the club. Shortly before he was scheduled to take the stage, local television news reported that gunfire erupted outside of the club.
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“People stampeded over security. Not what I expected to be doing on a Friday night — dodging bullets,” said Paul Butler, a witness to the shooting, according to inquisitr.com.
Authorities say that there were no fatalities as of Saturday (March 3) morning, at least two people are in serious condition.
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One suspect has been arrested, but two more have yet to be apprehended.
“People have reported that after the shooting, two black males wearing dark colored clothing fled the scene on foot,” stated Tempe Police spokesman Sergeant Steve Carbajal. “Those individuals have not been located at this time.”
Hussle released a statement regarding the incident via his tumblr page:
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“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.”
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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”
More on this story as it develops.
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