News

Schoolboy Q Was Target In Colorado Shooting

by Lauren Barbato

Authorities said Saturday that rapper ScHoolboy Q was targeted in a Thursday night shooting outside the Red Rocks Amphitheater near Morrison, Colorado. A gunman allegedly opened fire on an SUV limo carrying ScHoolboy Q, who was leaving the venue after opening up for dubstep artist Flying Lotus and rapper Nas. The rapper was not injured in the incident. Three people in the vehicle were wounded, and treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a Denver hospital.

The gunman reportedly jumped out of nearby bushes Thursday night as the concert was ending. He fired several rounds at the SUV limo before fleeing the parking lot of the historic Colorado music venue.

"This is not just a coincidence. We think there is probably more to it than that," Jacki Kelley, a spokesperson for the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, told USA Today. "It does seem to be more targeted than random."

Kelley added that investigators are currently trying to uncover the motive of the Thursday night shooting after receiving numerous tips. No arrests have been made, but authorities say the suspect is 6 feet tall. He was carrying a rifle at the time of the attack.

ScHoolboy Q was reportedly detained by Denver police as authorities questioned the occupants of the SUV limo, three of which were victims. The rapper let his fans know via Twitter that he was alright Friday morning.

Neither Nas nor Flying Lotus made a public statement regarding Thursday night's shooting.

The Red Rocks arena was put on lockdown for several hours Thursday night as authorities searched the grounds and checked the vehicles of concertgoers. Sections of the arena, including the parking lot where the shooting occurred, remained closed this weekend. However, venue officials said Friday night's Skrillex performance continued as planned.

ScHoolboy Q released his third full-length album, Oxymoron, earlier this year. The Los Angeles-based hip-hop artist recently wrapped up a three-month-long tour promoting his critically acclaimed album. His next performance is June 25 at Central Park SummerStage in New York City.