Brooklyn Rapper Troy Ave Arrested in Connection with T.I. Concert Shooting

Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave was arrested on Thursday evening in connection with a shooting that killed one and injured three during a T.I. concert on Wednesday. One of the injured was Troy Ave (real name: Roland Collins) himself—his 33-year-old bodyguard, Ronald McPhatter, was killed. Collins was charged with criminal possession of a weapon and attempted murder, according to the NYPD. Police are waiting for the results of ballistics tests before pressing more charges.

The incident, which took place backstage in Irving Plaza’s green room, was captured on a surveillance video. Collins, who was also scheduled to perform at the show, was allegedly feuding with Bed-Stuy rapper Maino, who was opening for T.I. Just after Maino left the stage, Collins fired at least five shots, according to the New York Daily News. However, Maino has denied involvement in the shooting, as well as in his supposed feud with Troy Ave. The rapper wrote the following in an Instagram post:

What transpired was absolutely NOT the result of MYSELF or ANYBODY IN MY CAMP , ENTOURAGE, TRAVELING PARTY or ORGANIZATION IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM. We entered the venue respectfully as always and exited in shocked like all other concertgoers. For the last 5 years Troy Ave, his team and I have had a great working relationship. Not only have we performed and done several songs together but we’ve had many personal conversations about life our goals and efforts as musicians. Despite media reports to the contrary, there are No ‘ongoing beefs’ or ‘entourage issues.’ It always has been and always will be good relations between myself AND MY TEAM and @TroyAve @Hovain @YoungLitoBsB and the BSB crew.

According to the NYPD, T.I. was not involved, and they are unsure if there was another shooter. On Thursday, T.I. posted on Instagram and Twitter expressing his condolences for McPhatter’s death. “My heart is heavy today,” wrote T.I. “Our music is intended to save lives, like it has mine and many others. My heartfelt condolences to the family that suffered the loss & my prayers are with all those injured. Respectfully, Tip.”