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Rapper Lil Tjay has been arrested in connection with a shooting involving fellow rap artist Offset at a Florida casino. The incident occurred on Monday (April 6) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, where both artists were said to have been in attendance. before an argument escalated.
Authorities said Lil Tjay, real name Tione Jayden Merritt, was arrested after the incident outside the casino. According to a statement from the Seminole Police Department to Rolling Stone, the Bronx rapper was charged with disturbing the peace – specifically, engaging in an affray – which is considered a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.
Although early speculation sought to link him more closely to the shooting, police have not filed any gun-related charges against him.
Bail and investigation
“Merritt was booked into the Broward County Jail last night,” the Seminole Police Department said. “A second individual held at the scene has not been charged. The investigation to identify one or more additional individuals involved in the incident is ongoing.”
According to Broward County Sheriff’s Office records, Lil Tjay is currently being held on $500 bail in connection with the disturbing the peace charge. He was also booked on a separate traffic violation, for which bail was set at $2,500.
The police statement appears to confirm widespread suspicions that the shooting of Offset and Lil Tjay’s arrest are related – especially since there had apparently been tensions between the two artists beforehand over an alleged gambling debt.
False reports and legal counter-statements
However, conflicting early reports caused confusion: Some incorrectly claimed that Lil Tjay both shot at Offset and took a shot himself.
His attorney, Dawn M. Florio, strongly rejected these representations and described them as misinformation circulating online.
“We are issuing this statement regarding false rumors that Lil Tjay was involved in a shooting that occurred in the valet area of Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, in which Offset, formerly of Migos, suffered non-life-threatening injuries,” Florio wrote.
Offset’s condition in the hospital
“Lil Tjay was not shot and no charges have been filed against him in connection with a shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false,” Florio continued. “We ask that you consult reputable news sources and verify the accuracy of reports.”
Offset, meanwhile, was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital after suffering what officials said was a “non-life-threatening” injury. A rep for the rapper confirmed his condition to ROLLING STONE.
“Offset was shot and is currently in the hospital receiving medical care,” the spokesperson said. “He is stable and is being monitored closely.”
Investigations are ongoing
Offset himself has not yet commented personally, although fans and fellow artists are already expressing their support and wishing him a speedy recovery. The investigation continues as authorities try to determine what led to the shooting and whether anyone else will be charged.
This article was originally published on VIBE.
