A memorial in Los Angeles for slain rapper Nipsey Hussle erupted in chaos Monday night when hundreds of people suddenly stampeded, police reported.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed several injuries from the stampede during the vigil in front of Hussle’s store in South Los Angeles, where the 33-year-old was killed in a shooting Sunday.
Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said at least 19 people were transported to area hospitals, The Associated Press reported. Two individuals were in critical condition ― one of whom was struck by a car and another who suffered a “penetrating injury.” It’s unclear whether the injury was caused by a stabbing or by broken glass.
Most of the patients appeared to have suffered injuries from being trampled by the fleeing crowd.
The cause of the stampede has yet to be determined.
Bystander DeAndre Harvey told The Los Angeles Times that the event had been peaceful until a fight suddenly broke out, causing liquor bottles and candles to break. Some people mistook the noises for gunshots, provoking panic.
Los Angeles Police Department spokesman Josh Rubenstein said no shots were fired.
Hundreds had gathered at the vigil to remember Hussle, whose birth name was Ermias Asghedom. The Grammy-nominated rapper was known for giving back to his community.
On Monday night, the LAPD identified a man named Eric Holder as a suspect in Hussle’s shooting:
This article was updated with official reports on injuries and eyewitness accounts.