Nipsey Hussle's Memorial Marred by Violence, 1 Killed, 3 Injured in Drive-By Shooting at Crowd

Gun violence tainted Nipsey Hussle's memorial procession on Thursday. One person was killed, and three more were injured as the result of a drive-by shooting.

Nipsey Hussle’s fans reunited on Thursday to say their last goodbye to the rapper. However, gun violence marred what should have been a celebration of life.

As crowds lined the streets along a 25.5-mile route to view the rapper’s passing hearse, four people were victims of a drive-by shooting.

The incident took place around 6:25 p.m. in the area of 103rd and Main streets, three blocks away from the procession route, according to the LAPD.

Los Angeles Police Chief Michael Moore confirmed the shooting on Twitter. The victims, he said, "were three male blacks and one female black - ages from 30-50 years old."

Tragically, one victim died, although Moore didn't specify which one. The Chief also revealed that the suspects opened fire from a gray Hyundai.

"We must stop this senseless violence," he pleaded the community.

A few hours earlier, Moore had praised the work of LAPD officers and the "peacekeepers" in the community for assuring the safe passage of Hussle's procession.

A TRAGIC LOSS

Nipsey Hussle was shot to death outside of his Marathon clothing store on March 31.

His death caused a huge commotion among the hip-hop community, and several artists took to social media to remember Hussle as a great man and artist who had much more to offer in life.

Family and friends celebrated the 33-year-old rapper's life in a three-hour long emotional memorial service at the Staples Center on Thursday.

His casket, adorned with violet and white flowers, was center stage.

The sports arena brimmed with fans, friends, family, and colleagues. Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Big Sean, Meek Mill, and several NBA players were among the attendants.

Stevie Wonder, Jhene Aiko, Marsha Ambrosius, and Anthony Hamilton took the stage to deliver emotional performances for the crowd.

WORDS OF LOVE AND ADMIRATION

Lauren London, Nipsey’s girlfriend and the mother of one of his kids, read a text message she had sent the rapper back in January.

“I want you to know I feel real joy in my heart when I’m around you. I feel safe around you. Protected. Like a shield over me when you’re around, I am totally myself when I’m with you,” London had written.

Former President Barack Obama, who admitted he never knew Hussle but knew his music, sent a letter that read out loud at the service. He praised Nipsey’s drive to invest in his community, saying:

“His choice to invest in that community rather than ignore it - to build a skills training center and a co-working space in Crenshaw; to lift up the Eritrean-American community; to set an example for young people to follow - is a legacy worth celebration.”

VIOLENCE NEEDS TO STOP

Thursday’s shooting comes just one week after gunshots struck two women on an evening vigil held to honor Hussle.

On April 1, chaos erupted when thousands of panicked fans ran for their lives after someone allegedly drawn out a gun, causing a stampede that left at least 19 injured people.

Although police initially said there was no gunfire, an affidavit obtained by TMZ alleged that two victims suffered gunshot wounds, one in the elbow, and the other in the lower back.

One of the women who was shot said she heard a "loud, rapid succession of gunshots from an unknown direction."

No further details have been revealed on that investigation.

The following day, Eric Holder was arrested and charged for the murder of Nipsey Hussle, as well as two counts of attempted murder and one count of possession of a firearm by a felon.

He pleaded not guilty and is being held on a $5 million bond.