Multiple People Injured at Nipsey Hussle Vigil

Several people were injured after a stampede broke out at a memorial for rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was killed Sunday in the area of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard in Los Angeles.

“Our men and women are on scene and making every effort to protect everyone in attendance at the Nipsey Hussle vigil,” the LAPD said on Twitter Monday. “Reports of shots fired at the vigil do not appear to be accurate. We do have injured in the chaos and are attempting to restore order.”

Police asked people to clear the area around the vigil. “We understand the community is mourning and we feel your loss. We are asking for everyone to follow the officers’ directions and disperse from the immediate area,” police said.

The Associated Press later reported that at least 19 people were injured, including two who were taken to local hospitals in critical condition, after a fight apparently broke out and a stampede ensued.

At least one of the critically injured was struck by a car, and the other one had a “penetrating injury,” a fire department spokeswoman told the AP.

Hundreds of people had gathered for a candlelight vigil outside Hussle’s clothing store The Marathon.

LAPD Chief Michel Moore tweeted shortly after the incident that informal initial reports from the Los Angeles Fire Department claimed at least 12 people were treated at the scene. “One [person] transported. No clear nature of that injury. Many treated on scene for sprained ankles,” he wrote.

CNN reported that at least 50 firefighters were on the scene treating people with injuries.

The 33-year-old Grammy-nominated rapper and community activist, whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom, died Sunday around 4 p.m. after he was shot multiple times outside his store, according to police and the coroner’s office. The L.A. County coroner determined on Monday that the rapper died from gunshot wounds of the head and torso, and his death has been certified as a homicide. Two others were also shot but survived.

Almost immediately after the rapper’s death, hundreds gathered Sunday evening with signs and music blasting to honor the fallen singer. As of Monday morning, police told The Hollywood Reporter that a “huge” search for the shooter was underway.

A press conference has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. PT on Tuesday to “address the surge in violence in the city of Los Angeles” and provide an update on the murder investigation, the LAPD said on Monday.