Nipsey Hussle memorial stampede sees 19 fans injured and ‘one stabbed’ as crowd flees noise ‘they feared was gunshot’
One person was hit by a car in the rampage while another suffered a 'penetrating injury' at the scene in LA where the Grammy-nominated star, 33, was shot dead
A STAMPEDE broke out at a memorial to dead rapper Nipsey Hussle last night after terrified fans feared they heard gunshots, according to reports.
Nineteen people were injured in the chaos at the vigil, which was being held at the Marathon Clothing store in LA where the Grammy-nominated star, 33, was shot dead.
Dramatic footage showed the moment a stampede broke out as horrified fans fled across the parking lot where the memorial was being held.
Police say 300 to 400 people were at the scene where Hussle was gunned down when a fight erupted in the crowd Monday night.
Earlier reports of gunshots were false but many people were trampled as the crowd ran away.
Following the stampede it emerged that one person had been stabbed, an LAPD officer told .
One reporter from the newspaper said they saw a male stab victim lying on the ground alongside a woman who appeared to have been knifed as well.
Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart says 19 people were taken to hospitals two of which were critically injured.
She says several other people are being examined and appear to have sustained “trample” injuries as the crowd ran away.
'BLOOD EVERYWHERE'
One of those seriously wounded was struck by a car while another suffered a “penetrating injury,” although it’s unclear whether that person was stabbed or cut by broken glass.
Dramatic pictures from the scene show people being treated by emergency workers while witnesses say there was “blood everywhere.”
The LAPD said that “reports of shots fired at the vigil do not appear to be accurate” in a tweet.
They posted: “Our men and women are on scene and making every effort to protect everyone in attendance at the Nipsey Hussle vigil.”
A coroner has revealed that Nipsey, real name Ermias Asghedom, was shot three times in the head and chest.
Discarded shoes and debris following a stampede at rapper Nipsey Hussle's memorial in LA
Police identify suspect
Los Angeles police have identified a suspect in the killing of rapper Nipsey Hussle.
Police say they are looking for 29-year-old Eric Holder, who is suspected of shooting Hussle Sunday afternoon outside his clothing store in South Los Angeles.
A news release states detectives suspect that Holder fled in a 2016 Chevy Cruze that was waiting in an adjacent alley.
Los Angeles Police Chief Michel Moore plans a news conference for Tuesday morning to discuss updates in the investigation.
"3 victims were transported to a local hospital where one was pronounced deceased."
They later added: " The suspect in the shooting is described as a male black & LAPD South Bureau Homicide is conducting an investigation to locate him and anyone else involved."
Los Angeles police have identified 29-year-old Eric Holder as the man they suspect carried out the shooting of Hussle.
Detectives suspect that Holder fled in a 2016 Chevy Cruze that was waiting in an adjacent alley.
It also emerged he was due to meet cops to discuss with them ways to combat gang violence in the city.
LA Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff tweeted: "We (@LAPDChiefMoore and I) were meeting, at the request of @NipseyHussle with him and @rocnation tomorrow at 4pm to talk about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us help kids. I’m so very sad."
SLAIN IN THE STREET
Hussle, the father of a two-year-old with the actor Lauren London, also had children from other relationships.
He had long been associated with the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips - one of Los Angeles' largest street gangs.
The rapper, real name Ermias Asghedom, publicly acknowledged his links to the gang in a 2010 interview .
Rap star 50 Cent was among those who paid tribute to Hussle - whose debut studio album Victory Lap was nominated for Best Rap Album at this year's Grammys.
He wrote: "Thoughts and prayers for @NipseyHussle".
TRIBUTES FLOW
Pop star Rihanna tweeted: "This doesn't make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this! Dear God may His spirit Rest In Peace and May You grant divine comfort to all his loved ones! ... I'm so sorry this happened to you @nipseyhussle."
Rap legend Snoop Dogg posted on Instagram: "Prayers out to the whole family, man. This ... got to stop, man."
Ice Cube wrote on Twitter: "Sad, mad and disappointed about my guy @Nipsey Hussle."
And rapper Drake added: "My whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this.... You were having the best run and I was so happy watching from distance fam... I want the world to know I saw you as a man of respect and a don. Rest easy my g."
Hussle was born on Aug. 15, 1985, in the Crenshaw neighbourhood of south Los Angeles.
The Eritrean-American said his first passion was music but getting resources was tough since he left his mother's house at 14 to live with his grandmother.
He said he got involved in street life as he tried to support himself and he joined the gang Rollin 60's Neighborhood Crips as a teenager.
In a 2014 interview with VladTV, he said: "The culture of my area is the gang culture - so by being outside, being involved with hustling, being in the hood, doing things to try to get money, being young, you know riding your bike through the hood, getting shot at, your loved ones and homies that's your age getting killed, getting shot at ...
"...it's like, we were just raised like if you with me and something goes now, I'm in it, whether I'm from the (expletive) or not."
Who are the Crips?
With more than 30,000 members, LA street gang the Crips has been in a virtual state of war with rivals the Bloods since the late 60s.
Up to 15,000 deaths are believed to have been as a result of the Bloods and Crips feud that is behind many of the city’s gang executions.
Such is the extent of the group that it has infiltrated the US Army and spread thousands of miles to cities such as New York and Chicago.
Dealing heroin and crack cocaine and control of territory fuels the violence
Clashes continue every day to control the lucrative LA drug trade
Success in the music industry eventually happened for Hussle.
The West Coast rapper released a number of mixtapes that he sold out of the trunk of his car, helping him create a buzz and gain respect from rap purists and his peers.
In 2010 he placed on hip-hop magazine XXL's "Freshman Class of 2010" a coveted list for up-and-coming hip-hop acts alongside J. Cole Big Sean, Wiz Khalifa, Jay Rock and others.
Hussle continued to build more hype for himself and Jay-Z even bought 100 copies of his 2013 mixtape Crenshaw for $100 each, sending the budding rapper a $10,000 check.
But the rapper, who was once signed to Sony's Epic Records, hit a new peak with Victory Lap, his critically acclaimed major-label debut album on Atlantic Records.
The album debuted at No. 4 on Billboard's 200 albums charts and featured collaborations with Kendrick Lamar, Diddy, CeeLo Green and more.
At this year's Grammy Awards, the record was one of five nominees for best rap album in a year.
Following his death, Hussle's label Atlantic Records posted: "Words cannot express our sadness. Nipsey was not only one of the greatest artists we worked with but an amazing father & leader in his community.
"One of the kindest & brightest stars in the universe, he was inspiring to all. We will miss him, his music & everything he stood for."
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted: "Our hearts are with the loved ones of Nipsey Hussle and everyone touched by this awful tragedy.
"LA is hurt deeply each time a young life is lost to senseless gun violence. My Crisis Response Team is assisting the families coping with shock and grief."
Candle light vigil pays tribute to late rapper Nipsey Hussle
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