Chaos Erupts at Nipsey Hussle Vigil Leading to Stampede and Injuries

Nipsey Hussle Vigil Turns to Chaos (Credit: ABC7)

Several people were injured Monday night in South Los Angeles after chaos erupted at a vigil honoring slain rapper Nipsey Hussle.

Video posted on Twitter showed a massive crowd gathered at the corner of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard outside Hussle’s clothing store, where he was fatally shot.

During a live report, KCBS-KCAL reporter Rachel Kim said a “huge fight” broke out leading to stabbings and a stampede.

“LAPD trying to get the crowd to disperse after at least six people were stabbed after a vigil for Nipsey Hussle,” she also tweeted.

Several people at the vigil took to Twitter to say they heard gunfire and someone was struck by a passing car. The massive crowd then ran from the scene, and several people were trampled.

ABC7 reporter Veronica Miracle tweeted out video of the crowd fleeing and said “people thought they heard something break or a loud noise and started running.”

Los Angeles police officers — many wearing tactical gear — swarmed the area and ordered the crowd to disperse. When people refused to leave, officers began to push the crowd back.

At 8:50 p.m. the LAPD tweeted that reports of gunfire appeared to be untrue.

“Our men and women are on scene and making every effort to protect everyone in attendance at the Nipsey Hussle vigil,” the tweet said. “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.”

In another development Monday night, police released the name of the suspected shooter in the case.

The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Eric Holder, is wanted for homicide.

“He was last seen in a 2016 white 4 door Chevy Cruze CA license plate 7RJD742,” the LAPD tweeted. “Anyone with information related to his whereabouts or this deadly shooting is urged to contact South Bureau Homicide at 323-786-5100.”

The autopsy report released Monday by the Los Angeles County coroner’s office said Hussle, real name Ermias Asghedom, died from gunshot wounds to the head and torso. His manner of death was listed as homicide.