Chicago rapper King Von killed in Atlanta shooting: police
Officials say two others killed in incident that began when two groups exchanged gunfire and officers also fired shots
Chicago rapper King Von was among three people who were killed in a shooting involving police outside a club Friday in Atlanta.
The incident started about 3:20 a.m. when two groups of males argued outside of Monaco Hookah Lounge, 255 W. Trinity Ave. SW., and the two groups exchanged gunfire, Atlanta police said in a statement.
Two off-duty officers who were in uniform working an extra job at the lounge, along with an on-duty officer who was patrolling nearby, confronted the groups and fired shots, police said.
“Three of the persons shot in the incident have died as a result of their wounds and three others are being treated in area hospitals,” police said. “The officers were not injured.”
Police confirmed that King Von, whose real name is Dayvon Bennett, was among those killed in the shooting. The identities of the other people who were shot have not been released.
It was unclear if anyone was struck by the officers’ gunfire, but police said detectives believe Bennett was shot during the initial confrontation between the two groups of males.
Police said they expect to file charges against two people detained at the scene.
Police also said King Von was not located at the scene but arrived at a hospital shortly after the shooting in a private vehicle.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation was asked to investigate the officer-involved shooting.
“Part of the investigations will include determining which individuals were struck by gunfire from the suspects and whether any were struck by gunfire from the officers,” police said.
Several people in the hip-hop community have posted messages of condolences on social media, including fellow Chicago emcee Chance the Rapper.
Last month, King Von released his album “Welcome to O-Block,” a nod to the area around 64th Street and King Drive on the South Side where he was raised. The album featured appearances from Moneybagg Yo, Polo G and Lil Durk.
King Von was 26, according to publicist Erin Ryan.
“He was a devoted father, a deeply loyal friend, and a man who took care of his people before himself,” Ryan said in a statement. “We are heartbroken for his family, his friends, his team, and his fans. Long live King Von.”