Police Allege Lil Tjay Instigated Fight Leading to Offset Shooting
Police are alleging that rapper Lil Tjay initiated a confrontation that ultimately led to the shooting of Migos member Offset at a Florida hotel and casino. According to a probable cause affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail, authorities claim that Lil Tjay, whose real name is Tione Merritt, "directed members of his party to start a fight with another group of males" around 7:22 p.m. on Monday night.
Details of the Alleged Incident
The incident reportedly occurred in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida. Police allege that one of the men in Lil Tjay's group produced a firearm and shot Offset during the altercation. The Seminole Police Department confirmed that Lil Tjay was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge, specifically affray, which is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor. He was subsequently booked at the Broward County Sheriff's Office.
In a statement to the Daily Mail, the Seminole Police Department noted that "a second person detained at the scene has not been charged" and emphasized that "the investigation to identify one or more additional persons involved in the incident is ongoing." Regarding Offset, police added that "the injured individual remains at Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, Fla., with a non-life-threatening injury."
Legal Responses and Denials
Lil Tjay's attorney, Dawn Florio, has vehemently denied the allegations. In a statement issued on Tuesday, she refuted "false rumors that Lil Tjay was involved in a shooting," clarifying that "Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false." After posting bail on Tuesday, Lil Tjay himself denied involvement, telling reporters, "I didn't do no damn fighting," while also making derogatory remarks about Offset, according to NBC 6 Miami.
However, the probable cause affidavit presents a contrasting narrative. It states that sworn statements from victims indicate Lil Tjay approached them aggressively with fists clenched and took swings at them while they were attending to the wounded Offset. Police allege that the fighting only ceased upon their arrival and that Lil Tjay was seen filming the confrontation on his cell phone prior to the shooting.
Aftermath and Ongoing Developments
The affidavit further asserts that "due to the actions of the defendant's involvement in a fight in a public place, the defendant caused terror among the public that caused injury to another person and placed other patrons in imminent danger." A spokesperson for Offset confirmed to the Daily Mail that he was shot and is receiving medical care, stating, "We can confirm he was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care. He is stable and being closely monitored."
Offset, whose estranged wife Cardi B filed for divorce in 2024 after six years of marriage, was later observed outside the hospital in a wheelchair taking a smoke break on Tuesday morning. The contents of the probable cause affidavit were first reported by TMZ, adding to the media scrutiny surrounding this high-profile case.
