An impromptu memorial for slain rapper XXXTentacion that took place last night (June 19) in Los Angeles descended into chaos and eventually was broken up by police officers in riot gear.
The Los Angeles Times [via Pitchfork] reports that the event drew up to 1,000 people to Melrose and Spaulding Avenues in the city's Fairfax neighbourhood, blocking traffic in the roadway.
Crowd members were reported to be jumping on top of cars and rooftops into the arms of others below, though no arrests or injuries were reported.
The Times reports that police were authorized to use tear gas to disperse the crowd about two hours after they were first called to the scene. Los Angeles news outlet ABC7 reported that police also deployed pepper balls and rubber bullets, adding that officers reported that rocks had been thrown at them.
The event was organized by Adam22, the host of hip-hop podcast and video series No Jumper and one-time manager of XXXTentacion.
You can watch some chaotic footage from the L.A. memorial via Adam22 below.
XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Onfroy, was shot to death in south Florida on Monday (June 18).
Authorities said the rapper was leaving a motorcycle dealership when armed suspects approached him in his vehicle and opened fire. Onfroy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
XXXTentacion's final album, ?, is available to pre-order on vinyl via Umusic.
The Los Angeles Times [via Pitchfork] reports that the event drew up to 1,000 people to Melrose and Spaulding Avenues in the city's Fairfax neighbourhood, blocking traffic in the roadway.
Crowd members were reported to be jumping on top of cars and rooftops into the arms of others below, though no arrests or injuries were reported.
The Times reports that police were authorized to use tear gas to disperse the crowd about two hours after they were first called to the scene. Los Angeles news outlet ABC7 reported that police also deployed pepper balls and rubber bullets, adding that officers reported that rocks had been thrown at them.
The event was organized by Adam22, the host of hip-hop podcast and video series No Jumper and one-time manager of XXXTentacion.
You can watch some chaotic footage from the L.A. memorial via Adam22 below.
XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Onfroy, was shot to death in south Florida on Monday (June 18).
Authorities said the rapper was leaving a motorcycle dealership when armed suspects approached him in his vehicle and opened fire. Onfroy was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
— adam22 (@adam22) June 20, 2018
XXXTentacion's final album, ?, is available to pre-order on vinyl via Umusic.