Rapper Troy Ave Arrested After Fatal Shooting at T.I. Concert

Photo Credit: All Hip Hop

Tragedy struck Wednesday night at an Irving Plaza T.I. concert in New York City. Shots were fired before T.I. could hit the stage, killing one person and injuring three others.

Yesterday afternoon, it was confirmed by the New York Police Department that rapper Troy Ave was arrested in connection to the shooting.

Troy Ave was among those injured in the shooting and his bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter was the one fatality. It’s unclear if there was another shooter, but some reports indicate it may have been a member of rapper Maino’s crew.

As of now, however, Troy Ave is the only one being charged in the violence. He has been charged with attempted murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon and is in police custody according to a statement from the NYPD.

T.I. released a statement last night on his Twitter, expressing his condolences to McPhatter’s family.

Rest In Peace Bro. God bless. pic.twitter.com/Vq6qFnq5bC

— T.I. (@Tip) May 26, 2016

Maino, on the other hand, released a full statement on his Instagram along with a photo of himself and Troy Ave, denying any conflict with the rapper or involvement in the shooting.

First and foremost my deepest condolences to the family & friends of Ronald Mcphatter who was tragically killed last night. Despite having to cope with more senseless violence. I woke up to the usual FALSE and ridiculous lies being circulated by irresponsible members of the media. What transpired was absolutely NOT the result of MYSELF or ANYBODY IN MY CAMP , ENTOURAGE, TRAVELING PARTY or ORGANIZATION IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. We entered the venue respectfully as always and exited in shocked like all other concertgoers. For the last 5 years Troy Ave, his team and I have had a great working relationship. Not only have we performed and done several songs together but we’ve had many personal conversations about life our goals and efforts as musicians. Despite media reports to the contrary, there are No “ongoing beefs” or “entourage issues.” It always has been and always will be good relations between myself AND MY TEAM and @TroyAve @Hovain @YoungLitoBsB and the BSB crew. Our deepest sympathies again to family of Ronald McPhatter and a speedy recovery to Troy Ave. The movement will not be stopped. #BROOKLYNUNITED #HEARDYOU

A photo posted by The KOB (@mainohustlehard) on May 26, 2016 at 12:10pm PDT

Video surveillance footage from the venue showed Troy Ave firing his weapon, and 9mm bullet casings were recovered from the scene. A motive has not been revealed, but the video footage shows an argument that escalated into a fist fight and then the shooting.

In a move that has drawn criticism and condemnation by Ronald McPhatter’s family, NYPD Commissioner, Bill Bratton, described the shooting as, “The crazy world of these so-called rap artists who are basically thugs that basically celebrate violence they did all their lives.”

The commissioner was interviewed on WCBS radio and continued that rappers “continue hanging out with the same people they hung out with when they came out of that world of desperation, poverty, and crime.”