Police reportedly think rapper Nipsey Hussle knew his killer

Police are still searching for the gunman who shot and killed Nipsey Hussle outside his clothing store in South Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, and detectives believe the suspect was somehow connected to the rapper, law enforcement officials told the Los Angeles Times on Monday.

Police think the suspect, described as being a black man in his 20s, has gang ties but his motive was personal. Shortly before the shooting, Hussle, who was open about joining a gang when he was a teenager, tweeted: "Having strong enemies is a blessing." The Los Angeles coroner's office revealed on Monday that Hussle, who was hit multiple times, died of a gunshot wound to the head. Two other men were also shot, but survived.

Hussle was set to meet with LAPD Chief Michel Moore and Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff on Monday "to talk about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us help kids," Soboroff said. During a community meeting, Moore said social media is "absolutely driving violence," as the platforms allow "an attitude of disrespect and it gets settled on the street."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up