Three people were reportedly injured when shots rang out around 2:00 a.m. Monday during a Boosie Badazz concert in a bar in Akron, Ohio.
The concert was abruptly halted as gunshots rang out, sending people scrambling in the Field House Lounge. Two male victims, ages 18 and 36, were shot in the torso area and transported to an area hospital in critical condition, and a 25-year-old victim later arrived to hospital with a graze wound, according to XXL Magazine. Akron PD Deputy Chief Michael Miller said at least one shot was fired while Boosie was performing onstage, according to TMZ. Video footage captured the sounds of gunfire. The video shows Boosie Badazz flinching, ducking, then running for cover amid the chaotic scene.
The frantic video shows people ducking and screaming amid sounds of gunfire.
Millers told TMZ he believes the gunman slipped through a blind spot or a side door with the weapon, and noted the venue had security guards, but no police presence at the front entrance. Security was in place to pat down and scan the attendees. The gunman reportedly fled the scene on foot.
Police have not yet identified a potential motive behind the shooting, but at this time they do not believe the rapper was being targeted. Initial reports suggest the gunman got into an altercation with another individual in the crowd and fired two shots from a semiautomatic weapon, according to TMZ.
A pair of shell casings were recovered at the scene and police are seeking surveillance video to assist in their investigation.
Boosie Badazz issued a statement to XXL regarding the incident.
“Unfortunately, a dispute occurred at my show. While I work hard to make sure everyone has a great experience, sometimes things happen,” he said
“I want to thank the Akron police and first responders for keeping everyone safe and diffusing the situation within minutes. Thank you for your support.”
The venue issued a statement to its Instagram page Monday, apologizing for “the fear and distress this incident has caused” and said they are doing everything in their power to “prevent something like this from ever happening again.” (RELATED: Jury Finds A$AP Rocky Not Guilty In Shooting Trial)
This is not the first such experience for Boosie Baddazz. The famous artist suffered a gunshot wound during a similar music gathering in 2022.
