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Houston rapper Sauce Walka was shot in Memphis this weekend, in what authorities are calling a “targeted shooting” that also left another person dead, according to reports.
On Saturday, March 22, the Memphis Police Department (MPD) announced on Facebook that officers responded to reports of a shooting at 2:42 p.m. local time near the 100 block of George W. Lee Ave.
One man was killed in the shooting and another was “transported to the hospital in non-critical condition” in what is now being described as “an isolated incident, not random violence,” per the MPD.
When reached for comment on Sunday, March 23, the MPD did not confirm the identities of the victims and reshared a statement previously posted on Facebook.
Walka, whose real name is Albert Walker Mondane, was shot in the thigh before being transported to the hospital, his father Albert Walker confirmed in a statement to Houston CBS affiliate KHOU. He added that his son, 34, is expected to survive.
“Had it not been for God, my son would’ve been dead,” the parent said.
TMZ also identified Walka as the surviving victim. PEOPLE has reached out to a rep for Walka for comment.
Per the MPD statement, officers have since identified the “suspect vehicle” and are “actively working to make an arrest.”
“We want to assure our community and visitors that downtown Memphis is a safe place. This incident was not a random act of violence,” the MPD said.
“Early indications are that the victims and suspects are known to each other. We understand the public’s concern and reiterate that this was not a random act,” the department added in the statement. “MPD is committed to bringing those responsible to justice and will be utilizing downtown camera footage and other technology available to aid in identifying everyone involved.”
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Police first revealed in a March 22 news conference, per footage shared by Fox 13 Memphis, that they were called to an area in downtown Memphis that afternoon.
One victim was found in the street before he was pronounced dead at the scene, while another victim, presumably Walka, was then hospitalized, per The Houston Chronicle.
“This appears to be a targeted shooting incident,” an MPD spokesperson told Fox 13.
“The victims were outside by a vehicle. The suspect vehicle pulled up. Multiple people got out of that vehicle, fired shots without engaging in any conversation, they got back into the white vehicle and fled,” the spokesperson added.
Walka, known for multiple hits including “Texas Cyclone” and “Where Was You At,” has more than 2 million followers on Instagram and has collaborated with the likes of Megan Thee Stallion, Travis Scott and Migos over the years.
He shared an Instagram update with fans on March 23, reposting an Instagram Stories upload from Texans star C. J. Gardner-Johnson, who wished Walka a “speedy recovery” and shared condolences over the alleged death of fellow Houston MC Sayso P.
The MPD has not released the names of either victim in the shooting. The Houston Chronicle reported that rumors on social media claim another Houston rapper was killed in the shooting.
“God please cover us in these dark days,” Gardner-Johnson wrote.
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