T.I. has released his first statement since yesterday’s horrifying shooting, during which one person died and three people were injured after gunfire broke out at his concert at Irving Plaza in New York City.
He posted the following image to Instagram, which reads: “My heart is heavy today. Our music is intended to save lives, like it has mine and many others. My heartfelt condolences to the family that suffered the loss & my prayers are with all those injured. Respectfully, Tip.”
The fatal victim has been identified as Ronald McPhatter, 33, a long-time friend and bodyguard of rapper Troy Ave.
Police told Billboard that the shooting took place in the green room area of the venue just after 10pm, fatally wounding McPhatter and wounding two others, a 34-year-old man and a 26-year-old women. Both victims are expected to make a full recovery.
Troy Ave – real name Roland Collins – has been arrested by police in relation to the shooting and charged with attempted murder, reckless endangerment, possession of a weapon and menacing. The New York Daily News reports that he is expected to face a murder charge as well, pending the results of a ballistics test.
Police released the following CCTV footage of the shooting, but be warned: this may be distressing.
WANTED: Info/witnesses regarding homicide at Irving Plaza in Manhattan. Call #800577TIPS. https://t.co/HuL0YszMK8 pic.twitter.com/hto8W6M42D
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) May 26, 2016
Source: Billboard.
Photo: Getty / Jamie McCarthy.
