Detectives Investigating a Shooting that Occurred During Vigil NR19101bb

Los Angeles: This is an update to the Department’s initial reports surrounding an incident that occurred Monday, April 1, 2019, during a vigil for Nipsey Hussle. The LAPD is investigating reports of an assault with a deadly weapon (ADW) and brandishing of a handgun that was reported when a crowd of more than 400 mourners amassed in front of a clothing store at the corner of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard.

The peaceful vigil began at 6:30 p.m. and was conducted without incident. After the formal event, around 8 p.m., a large mass panic occurred, where mourners were seen running from the vigil site. Some of the people were injured because of the stampede and others from falling on glass candles that lined the sidewalks. LAPD and L.A. Fire Department resources immediately responded and dispersed the crowds while treating individuals for minor injuries.

During the chaos, a witness notified a member of LAPD’s command staff on-scene, that an individual in the crowd brandished a handgun and an unknown member of the crowd began struggling with that man to get the gun away. He was eventually able to disarm that individual. That same witness also stated no shooting had occurred, which was consistent with reports from officers working the event who also reported that they did not hear any gunshots. However, there were witnesses who stated they heard shots fired. Regardless, investigators began searching for information regarding the potential ADW and brandishing, but they were unable to confirm that a shooting occurred, due to no victims at the scene, and no witnesses to a shooting.

Officers were sent to local hospitals to check on victims of the incident and were alerted that two victims of gunshot wounds had been treated at one of those hospitals. The victims were in stable condition, with non-life-threatening injuries, and confirmed that they were at the vigil and had transported themselves to the hospital.

On April 8, 2019, detectives served a search warrant on several locations in the area of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue to obtain evidence of the shooting. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact LAPD’s 77th Area Detectives at (323) 786-5420. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.