A rap concert at Irving Plaza headlined by T.I. on Wednesday night turned deadly as rapper Troy Ave opened gunfire.
Concertgoers against the balcony railing on the third floor saw a man go behind a white couch before a door opened and a gunman, which police identified as Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave, entered the room followed by two men. He fired one round, and then lifted it again as he left the video frame.
This was captured in an eight-second surveillance video clip released by police on Thursday. Ronald McPhatter, 33, an associate of Troy Ave, was killed. Three others were shot, including Troy Ave, whose given name is Roland Collins, and another three were injured in the stampede. The police stated the gunman started firing in the V.I.P. green room above the stage of the club around 10 PM on Wednesday.
“What we can determine right now from the witnesses and video is that a fisticuff broke out, and then a gunfight directly thereafter,” Chief Boyce said. Troy Ave has been arrested as confirmed by police. He was charged with attempted murder and criminal possession.
T.I. paid his respects to McPhatter and gave his condolences to McPhatter’s family via Twitter. “Rest in Peace Bro. God bless,” was the caption to a photo that said, “My heart is heavy today. Our music is intended to save lives, like it has mine and many others. My heartfelt condolences to the family that suffered the loss & my prayers are with all those injured. Respectfully, Tip.”
