Five Shot At Gainesville Concert

A rap concert in Gainesville, Fla., July 2nd ended with five people shot after rapper Plies grew upset because his microphone was cut, according to witnesses.

Plies, a Florida-based up-and-comer, was performing for about 1,000 people at the 238 West club when his set ran long, promoter Jonathan Corey Smith told The Gainesville Sun. His microphone was cut off at 1:45 a.m. so Louisiana rapper Lil Boosie could perform.

Plies, real name Algernod Lanier Washington, was enraged, according to Smith. A fight started with shouting and fists, and ended with at least six shots fired inside the club. Four men fled in a Buick LaCrosse but were quickly surrounded by police. Two were charged with attempted murder, according to a police spokeswoman, and Washington and a fourth member of the group were charged with illegal possession of a concealed weapon.

Five loaded firearms and armor-piercing ammunition were reportedly found in the vehicle.

Five patrons were treated at a hospital but the injuries weren’t life-threatening. One victim was shot in the neck, another in the foot, a third in the stomach, a fourth in the arm and the fifth victim’s cheek was grazed by a bullet, according to the Sun.

Smith said security guards pat down customers but performers enter through the load-in area.

“I just never thought we’d have to really, really scrutinize an artist. From now on, we’re going to have to start checking their crates, maybe we’ll even get metal detectors,” he told the paper.