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T.I. Releases Official Statement on Irving Plaza Shooting

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Tone Are

Contributing Writer

As new developments on Wednesday night’s Irving Plaza shooting continued to arise in the news in Thursday (May 26), so had the voices of some of those closest to the tragedy. Concert headliner T.I. released a timely statement in which he expressed regret for the events that unfolded, while defending that the violence unleashed before the hundreds of fans in attendance was not representative of the music’s intention.

“My heart is heavy today. Our music is intended to save lives, like it has mine and many others,” said TIP. “My heartfelt condolences to the family that suffered the loss & my prayers are with all those injured. Respectfully, Tip.”

Brooklyn rap favorite Maino also spoke out on the incident, stating, “First and foremost my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Ronald McPhatter who was tragically killed last night,” before addressing media reports that implied his involvement by association.  “Despite having to cope with more senseless gun 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 anyone in my camp, entourage, traveling party or organization. We entered the venue respectfully as always and exited in shock like all of the others in attendance.”

Three credentialed members of the venue’s green room/VIP section were transported to the hospital and reported to be in stable condition as they recover from bullet wounds.  A fourth victim of the shooting, Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, was struck in melee and pronounced dead at Beth Israel Medical Center. One of those who were hospitalized happened to be 30-year-old Roland Collins of Brooklyn, known to most as rapper Troy Ave.  In a late turn of events, Collins was placed under arrest as police released surveillance footage that revealed him firing off a shot backstage. According to police, the wound Troy Ave suffered was self-inflicted. The deceased McPhatter, an associate of Troy, is seen scurrying by him in the video.

“He actually cared a lot about Troy Ave. My wish is that Troy Ave cared as much about my son as he cared about him,” McPhatter’s mother, Rose McPhatter said before news of Troy’s involvement broke. She had been sulking in the fact that she wasn’t contacted by Troy to extend condolensces. “If he (Troy Ave) cared about my son as much as he alleged he does, I would’ve received a call from him. He didn’t call me. He didn’t call any of my other sons.”

Source: billboard.com

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