Police in Florida have made an arrest following a violent armed robbery at the residence of controversial rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, during which his mother was reportedly restrained and injured.
Suspect Charged Following November Invasion
According to reports from TMZ, 19-year-old Pedro Rodriguez was taken into custody and now faces a series of serious charges. These include armed home invasion robbery with a firearm, false imprisonment, grand theft, and possession of marijuana.
The disturbing incident is said to have occurred in November at the Palm Beach County home belonging to the rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez. At the time of the invasion, Tekashi 6ix9ine was not present, but his 60-year-old mother, Natividad Perez-Hernandez, was at home.
Masked Intruders Target Rapper's Mother
Authorities state that four masked and armed suspects forced their way into the property. Teri Barbera, a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, confirmed to the Sun Sentinel that deputies were dispatched to the scene around 10 p.m. after receiving reports of a burglary in progress.
During the attack, one suspect allegedly physically restrained Perez-Hernandez while the others ransacked the home. They reportedly demanded she reveal the location of cash and keys. A police K-9 unit was deployed to search for the suspects but was unsuccessful; it is believed they fled in a vehicle before officers arrived.
Rodriguez is believed to be just one of several individuals involved, and the investigation remains active as authorities work to identify and apprehend the remaining suspects.
Rapper Condemns 'Cowardly' Attack
In the aftermath, Tekashi 6ix9ine addressed the incident on his Instagram Stories to counter what he called "fake news and rumours." He clarified that he remains under house arrest and had received special permission to leave for work that evening.
"They knew I wasn't home," the rapper stated, suggesting the assailants had seen him livestreaming with YouTuber Jack Doherty. He condemned the decision to target his elderly mother, calling the act "cowardly" and "out of line."
While acknowledging his controversial public profile might make him a target, he insisted, "If that was your favourite artist or actor, nobody would think that's cool. There's no respect in that."
The arrest brings renewed attention to the rapper's complex legal history. In 2018, he cooperated extensively with federal prosecutors in a major New York gang case, testifying against members of the Bloods. This cooperation led to a reduced sentence; he served two years in custody before being released to house arrest in 2020.
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Tekashi 6ix9ine for further comment.
