Meek Mill. (Getty)
Four people were shot – and at least two have died – at a Meek Mill concert in Wallingford Connecticut.
Meek Mill is a controversial rapper known for his complicated relationship with Nicki Minaj and Drake feud.
Details were still unfolding, and it was not yet clear what the motive was and who caused the shooting. The identities of the victims were not yet formally released, but family members identified one of the deceased as Travis Ward, 31. The other person who died is also male.
Initial reports said three people were shot, but a local newspaper said later the number had risen to four.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Video Captured the Chaotic Aftermath
#PressPlay: Shots rang out at a #MeekMill concert at the #OakdaleTheater in Wallingford Connecticut…we will keep you posted on the story
According to MyRecordJournal, “Video taken outside the concert venue captures at least one shot” that was fired. See above.
The newspaper added: “A voice can be heard saying ‘look there’s Meek’ as the camera points toward the front of the venue when a shot can be heard. A gasp erupts from the crowd and people begin running. A security guard approaches the person capturing the video and advises the individual to stay down before they flee the area.”
Neighbors reported hearing gunfire.
The Shade Room, which posted the video, wrote, “The video shown was sent by a roommate who was standing outside of the #OaklandTheater with others possibly waiting for the rapper to come out. As soon as he says, ‘There goes Meek’ you can hear at least one shot before security tells everyone to hit the ground.”
2. The Motive & Suspects Were Unclear
There was a large police presence at the concert hall. At least one of the people shot did not have life-threatening injuries, and Meek Mill was making no comment the evening of the shooting, Billboard reported.
Huge police presence including Wallingford, Cheshire, Meriden PD at Oakdale Theater after earlier shooting
Police said the shooting stemmed from a fight. News of the shooting was starting to spread on social media two hours after the shooting.
I hope everyone I know gets home from the @MeekMill show safe
However, WFSB-TV said police were still hunting for the shooter. The motive was not clear.
3. It’s Believed Nicki Minaj Was Not Present
TONIGHT — @MeekMill at #TheDome! Doors: 7PM, Show: 8PM. Get more info and tickets: t.co/gqXTyak1gB
The Meek Mill show was scheduled for 8 p.m., and the shooting was reported at about 11:15 p.m.
Meek Mill’s life has been full of drama lately. Ace Showbiz reported he was devastated by a rumored split from Nicki Minaj. Allegations flew back and forth but BET reported neither star has publicly clarified what’s going on.
The Shade Room reported “We don’t believe Nicki Minaj was present during the shooting.”
4. Meek Mill Has Been Described as a ‘Combative’ but Successful Rapper
According to MTV Artists, “Meek Mill is one of the most combative and commercially successful rappers of his time. The native Philadelphian, born Robert Williams, sharpened his skills in a group called the Bloodhoundz and began releasing solo mixtapes during the latter half of the 2000s.”
He has spent time in prison and on house arrest in between recording new songs. His debut album, says MTV, “Dreams and Nightmares entered the Billboard 200 at number two. Its biggest hit was ‘Amen’ (featuring Drake), which peaked at number four on the rap chart.”
Meek Mill and Drake have feuded over social media, with Meek Mill even accusing Drake of not writing his own raps.
5. The Intended Target Is Unclear
Was the shooter after Meek Mill or someone else outside the concert? That is unclear, as police have just started their investigation. The Record Journal said the concert venue has no history of violence.
Family members told NBC Connecticut that they don’t believe Ward was the intended target.