Rapper Nipsey Hussle killed, 2 wounded in shooting at LA store
LOS ANGELES -- Nipsey Hussle was killed and two others were wounded in a shooting at the Los Angeles store owned by the rapper on Sunday, according to authorities.
The shooting was reported around 3:20 p.m. in the 3400 block of Slauson Avenue in Hyde Park. Hussle owns a store called Marathon Clothing at 3420 W. Slauson.
The Los Angeles Police Department said three people were shot in the area, one fatally, though they did not release any official victim information.
Police later identified Hussle as the person killed in the shooting, according to AP.
Hussle may have sensed trouble coming Sunday. A short time before the shooting was reported, he tweeted: "Having strong enemies is a blessing."
Hundreds of fans and local residents came out to the store location to mourn the rapper and share stories about how he was helping the local community where he grew up.
Marquesha Lawson sobbed as she recalled Hussle and how he helped the community and was offering to help her daughter's modeling career.
"I was a childhood friend," Lawson said. "I've known him all my life. He was like family to me."
"He cared about us. We cared about him."
Fan Edgar Cabrera said he admired how Hussle worked his way up from the bottom.
"It hurts," Cabrera said. "And it hurts the community. All these people - we love him."
Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff said on Twitter he was set to meet with the rapper Monday along with LAPD Chief Michel Moore "to talk about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us help kids."
On Monday morning supporters were still holding vigil outside his store.
Police said Hussle and the two other victims were standing outside the store in the parking lot when the shooting occurred. Police said they are looking for a single male gunman who fled the area, and say the shooting may have been gang-related.
Investigators are talking to witnesses and canvassing the area for surveillance video.
The 33-year-old rapper, born Ermias Asghedom, grew up in Los Angeles. He was nominated for the best rap album Grammy this year for his debut studio album "Victory Lap."
"It's my debut album so for my first one (to be nominated) out the gate, it's like, it was overwhelming a little bit. It was ... inspiring, humbling," he said in an interview with the Recording Academy on the red carpet of the 2019 Grammys, which he attended with this daughter.
Hussle is survived by two children and fiancee, actress Lauren London, according to AP.
Hussle opened the clothing store in June 2017 at an event that included appearances from NBA players Russell Westbrook, DeMarcus Cousins and some notable rappers.
A shooting and stabbing was also reported at Hussle's Hyde Park store last year.
Police responded to the store for that shooting report on Sept. 14, 2018, but did not find any suspects or victims and witnesses were uncooperative.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
