Lil Durk fans braved scorching heat followed hours later by a downpour outside a federal courthouse in Los Angeles, where the rapper is on trial in a murder-for-hire case.
A few dozen supporters marched, chanted and carried signs saying “Free Smurk” outside the Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse as closing arguments got underway on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
“I think he’s going home,” protester and recording artist AllinChip told Urban Hollywood 411.
Lil Durk, born Durk Banks, was arrested near Miami International Airport on Oct. 24, 2024.
The 33-year-old Grammy winner faces life in prison for allegedly orchestrating a plot to kill rival rapper Quando Rondo, born Tyquian Bowman.
Prosecutors said Bowman was the intended target of a brazen daytime shooting near the Beverly Center shopping plaza in Los Angeles in 2022.
The feds said the shooting was in retaliation for the killing of Durk’s close friend and fellow rapper Dayvon “King Von” Bennett.
Quando Rondo escaped the ambush unharmed. But his cousin Lul Pab, also known as Lil Pab, was killed during the drive-by attack at a gas station.
Federal prosecutors alleged Lil Durk ordered the executive-style slaying.
“Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” then-U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada said in a statement.
The hip-hop star pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder-for-hire and stalking resulting in death.
Outside the courthouse Tuesday, fans of the “All My Life” rapper said he should be acquitted.
“I feel as though there’s not substantial evidence to show that he did what they’re accusing him of, and that’s why I’m here,” said Los Angeles resident Maxine, who declined to give her last name.
“I’ve been here since day one, and I will continue to be here until the last day,” she added.
AllinChip said he drove from Ohio to support the rapper and believes Durk’s high-powered attorneys, Brian Steel and Drew Findling, will prevail.
“The odds was stacked against us, but Drew and Brian Steel came in and did their thing,” he said.
Both AllinChip and Maxine described themselves as devoted fans.
However, Law&Crime editor Cathy Russon posted on X that she received a tip claiming some people in the crowd “were hired to show up” and protest. Russon shared a picture of a casting notice that said the protest would be filmed and participants would be paid $125 for six hours.
It was unclear who posted the casting notice or how many people at the rally, if any, were paid to attend.
Lil Durk’s father, Dontay Banks Sr., also known as “Big Durk,” briefly stopped by the rally before walking into the courthouse.
Muslim activist Zül-Qarnain offered words of support to Big Durk and encouraged the protesters to remain peaceful. Zül-Qarnain told Urban Hollywood 411 Lil Durk is “fighting for his life.”
“There’s people that have already admitted to this crime,” he said. “This brother has denied these charges, and there’s reasonable doubt, so he should be liberated.”
Zül-Qarnain added that he hopes the protest makes a difference.
“We’re asking for him to be freed from these improper charges, this unjust indictment,” he said. “There was a call to have a peaceful rally. You can see much people … and we just want to highlight that he’s beneficial in the free world.”
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