Music
The Memphis rapper says she is “devastated and heartbroken” at the deaths of fans as eight people remain injured
Two people died and eight others were injured during a scramble at a concert by US rapper GloRilla in upstate New York.
Rochester Police initially told CNN that they believed fans rushed to the exits of the Main Street Armory venue at the end of the night in response to the sound of gunfire.
In a subsequent statement, police said: “We are hearing many reports of possible causes including the size of the crowd, gunfire fired, pepper spray and more.
“Preliminary reports from those at the scene suggest these injuries were caused by trampling. We have no evidence that shots were fired or anyone was shot or stabbed.”
Rhondesia Belton, 33, of nearby Buffalo, died in hospital after being found injured at the venue.
Police said on Monday that a second woman, aged 35, also died from her injuries. Another woman remains in critical condition; The other seven people are not believed to have life-threatening injuries.
It is being investigated whether the venue owners have followed the security measures.
The Memphis rapper, who was nominated for Best Rap Performance at last month’s Grammy Awards, said she was only aware of the incident after leaving the venue.
“I am devastated and heartbroken by the tragic deaths that happened after Sunday’s show,” she tweeted. “My fans mean the world to me…they are praying for their families and for a speedy recovery for everyone involved.”
Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said at a news conference the incident was “completely unacceptable” and a “tragedy of epic proportions… When you go to a concert, don’t expect to be trampled on.” Your loved ones expect you to be able to come home.
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“We’re going to hold people accountable for what happened last night, period,” he said. “I intend to get to the bottom of it.”
One woman told a local news station that amidst the chaos at the venue, she “saw life flash before my eyes”.
A show scheduled for this Saturday by rapper A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie has been canceled.
It is the latest in a string of crowd incidents. Ten people died after the disaster at Travis Scott’s Astroworld festival in November 2021.
In December, two people were killed in a crowd at a concert by Afrobeats star Asake at Brixton Academy in London. The venue will remain closed until at least April while police investigate the matter.
• This story was edited on March 7th to remove reference to “a stampede” per our style guide.
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