LA Leaders Call for Calm After Rapper Nipsey Hussle Is Killed

Nipsey Hussle attends 2019 Grammy Awards (Credit: Shutterstock)

Grammy-nominated rapper and community organizer, Nipsey Hussle, was shot and killed Sunday outside his clothing store in South Los Angeles.

A gunman opened fire on Hussle and two other men around 3:20 p.m. at 3420 W. Slauson Ave., before fleeing in an unknown vehicle, the LAPD said. Hussle was pronounced dead after being transported to an area hospital. The other men were said to be in serious condition.

Late Sunday, the Los Angeles Times reported the rapper was shot at close range and detectives believe the shooting was gang-related.

Read More: Rapper Nipsey Hussle Dies After Shooting in South Los Angeles

Hussle acknowledged having ties to the Rollin 60s Crips street gang in a 2010 interview with Complex, and previously said he grew up in South L.A. surrounded by violence.

The hip-hop star took to Twitter about 30 minutes before the shooting to tweet about his enemies, writing: “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”

The 33-year-old rapper, real name Ermias Asghedom, turned his life around, invested in the community, and was working with local leaders on ways to end gun violence. The father-of-two dated actress Lauren London and the pair had a child together.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, whose district includes South L.A., called for calm in the wake of the shooting.

“Ermias Asghedom, known to us as the hip-hop artist Nipsey Hussle, was a father, businessman, entertainer, and inspiration to many,” Ridley-Thomas said in a statement.

“I urge calm and a period of reflection. Violent retaliation for this event will not be tolerated,” he continued. “Our communities have lost too many young men and bright futures to the scourge of gun violence. For healing to occur, even from this terrible incident, justice must be sought through legal means, and community peace must be found.”

LAPD Chief Michel Moore said there had been a recent surge in area shootings and vowed the police department would work “aggressively” to stop the violence.

“Tonight’s homicide in South LA represents the latest loss in a troubling surge in violence,” Moore tweeted. “Since last Sunday 26 victims have been shot & 10 homicides—that’s 36 families left picking up the pieces. We will work aggressively with our community to quell this senseless loss of life.”

L.A. Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff said in a statement on Twitter that he and Moore were scheduled to meet with Hussle on Monday afternoon to discuss ways to combat gang violence.

As news of the rapper’s death spread, crowds of fans gathered near the scene of the shooting to play his music and remember the hip-hop star. Meanwhile on social media, actors, athletes and fellow musicians posted tributes.

“This doesn’t make any sense! My spirit is shaken by this!” Rihanna tweeted. “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”

Insecure co-creator and actress, Issa Rae, said Hussle inspired her to give back.

“Watching Nipsey inspired me to invest and own in our communities. He was a solid man who loved his woman, his family and his community. This hurts,” she wrote on Twitter.

Meek Mill said he was “tired” of the violence and was praying for Hussle’s family.

“Broke me,” the rapper tweeted. “We really fighting for our lives against our own kind and really have to take risk and match the level of hatred that we are born in .. I’m tired prayers for my brother and his family.”

You can read more reactions below.