Two people were killed and two others wounded after gunfire broke out at a Cousin Stizz show in Atlanta last night (November 12).
The Boston rapper was set to perform at The Masquerade when the shooting occurred inside the venue before his set, according to reports. It is believed an argument broke out in the crowd, and the dispute led to the shooting.
“Completely heartbroken,” Stizz wrote on Twitter early this morning. “Before I hit the stage in Atlanta tonight, there was a shooting in the crowd, two people died and two others were injured. I’ve always called my shows family reunions because they’re never anything but fun, safe, good vibes and positivity, I’m in shock and at a loss of words for the senseless violence. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims and their families.”
According to the Associated Press, the shooting occurred after two people climbed on stage between performances. In addition to Stizz, last night’s lineup featured New York’s Levi Carter, Boston’s Big Leano and Atlanta’s Givon.
The AP reports that “the two who climbed onto the stage at The Masquerade at Underground Atlanta were shot Sunday night by someone in the crowd who got angry, Atlanta police officer Lisa Bender said. Two others also got wounded, Bender said, most likely when the shooter fired more shots toward the ground.”
One of the victims died at the scene from a gunshot to the chest, and another died at a local hospital. The two who were injured suffered non-life-threatening wounds “to their feet and ankles.”
The gunman managed to escape as the crowd panicked and reacted to the shooting, and is still at large. Police are currently searching for him and are asking witnesses to call the Atlanta Police Department or Crime Stoppers at 404-577-TIPS.
Cousin Stizz returns home to play a sold-out House of Blues on November 24.
Featured photo by Eddy Leiva, from Cousin Stizz’s May performance at Boston Calling Music Festival.
— Cousin Stizz (@CousinStizz) November 13, 2017