[dropcap size=big]M[/dropcap]ultiple people were injured after a chaotic rush occurred as well as a stabbing incident within the largely peaceful all-day memorial for artist Nipsey Hussle on Monday night. The stabbing led throngs to disperse in panic, leaving some mourners trampled.
An estimated 19 people were injured. Here is video of the moment people rushed to flee the scene in confusion:
NEW: LAPD is now on a citywide tactical alert following stabbing/stampede at #NipseyHusselVigil at Crenshaw/Slauson. At least 8 transports to local hospitals. More minor injuries but full extent not yet available.
— Andrew Blankstein (@anblanx) April 2, 2019
A live-stream feed showed police with batons and helmets lined up against Crenshaw Boulevard and forcibly moving crowds of mourners and residents who had gathered to hold vigil for Hussle, who was shot outside a corner of Slauson and Crenshaw where the rapper carved a nucleus of businesses and social initiatives.
"Don't fucking touch me!" people yelled as police officers began pressing the crowds back with their batons. "Leave the area," LAPD officers are heard saying. Watch:
LAPD called a tactical alert in the South Bureau and then expanded the alert to the entire city. A confrontation or brawl happened within the throngs of people who gathered since last night after word of the Crenshaw native's passing spread through the area. The instant people reacted, a panic spread through the crowd and people took off running.
Since Sunday night, police-watch activists and reform advocates noted that LAPD was patrolling the South L.A. in what they called an excessive fashion. Noted police-reform advocate in Los Angeles and Black Lives Matter co-founder Melina Abdullah said police officers were overreaching since Sunday night.
Second night of excessive patrolling in the community. We don’t need this right now. Or ever, frankly.
— Jackie Cornejo (@JackieCornejoG) April 2, 2019
The chaotic scenes on Monday belied a largely peaceful day as mourners of every sort from the South L.A. community came out to pay tribute to Nipsey, who died at 33. By nightfall, local residents were seen cleaning up debris left outside the Marathon Clothing store and lot.
Members of the community are already starting to clean the mess up on their own. @ABC7 pic.twitter.com/E6fCZp8Z8P
— Veronica Miracle (@ABC7Veronica) April 2, 2019
Read the L.A. Taco obituary here.
* Check back for updates.
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