Four Shot, One Killed During Nipsey Hussle's Funeral Procession

Nipsey Hussle's funeral procession was interrupted by a "senseless" act of violence when gunfire erupted as fans celebrated the late rapper's life.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, a drive-by shooting took place along Nipsey's 25.5-mile long funeral procession route on Thursday (April 11). LAPD Chief Michael Moore revealed that victims are three black males and one black female, "ages 30-50 years old. Tragically one is deceased," he wrote on Twitter.

"We must stop this senseless violence," Chief Moore pleaded.

The tragic shooting came only hours after Nipsey's "Celebration of Life" memorial service. Thursday afternoon, the 33-year-old rapper and activist's family, friends, and fans gathered at Los Angeles' Staples Center to say their final goodbyes to the man they called "The Great."

The service brought out some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Beyonce, Jay-ZJames Harden, Big Sean, Meek Mill, G-EazyDJ Khaled, Kendrick Lamar, LeBron James, The Game, Marsha Ambrosius, Snoop Dogg, Jhene Aiko, YG, Stevie WonderBig Boy, and many more.

The service featured a number of touching moments, including the reading of a personal letter, addressed to Nipsey's family, written by former President Barack Obama. "I've never met Nipsey but I've heard his music through my daughters," read part of the letter. "While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope."

"His choice to invest in that community rather than to ignore it ... set an example for young people to follow ... [and] is a legacy worthy of celebration," the letter continued. "I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw."

Nipsey's longtime girlfriend, Lauren London, also spoke to Nipsey's character in a powerful speech that included the reading of a tear-jerking text message that she'd sent to Nipsey to express her love for him in January. "I’m in bed with you while you’re sleeping and I wanted to tell u something," read the message written on January 21, 2019. "I want you to know I feel real joy in my heart when I’m around you. I feel safe around you. Protected. Like a shield over me when you’re around. I am totally myself with you (which is prob why I’m annoying) because I don’t wear a cool mask anymore lol."

"You’ve made me into more of a woman. You’ve given me an opportunity to really love a man," Lauren continued. "You’ve been with me while I’ve been sick. Through my fears. U have encouraged me, and inspired me to reach higher. I’ve learned so much more about myself with you. You’ve been my turn up and my church. I wouldn’t want to go thru this journey with anyone but you."

"I look up to you in a lot of ways and strive to educate myself more like you have. And when we’re at odds… I feel defeated and sad, knowing we are so much better than that. I just want you to know that you’ve been the greatest boyfriend to me," Lauren wrote. "You aren’t perfect but I would never ask you to be. You and I work. We fit. And…. you’re still the coolest guy in the world to me. Still! I love you so much. Unconditionally. My truth is this. I’m never going to give up on you. My loyalty and devotion is to you."

Other emotional moments came when Nipsey's brother, Samiel Asghedom, sister, Samantha Smith, parents, Dawit Asghedom and Angelique Smith, and Snoop Dogg spoke of Nip's heart, legacy, and impact on them as well as the South L.A. community.

Photo: Getty Images


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