LOS ANGELES (CNS) - A search was continuing Tuesday for the person who gunned down rapper PnB Rock inside a well-known South Los Angeles restaurant, with police saying a social media post apparently led the attacker to the eatery to rob the singer of his jewelry.
The shooting was reported at 1:23 p.m. Monday at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles at 106 W. Manchester Ave., where the rapper was eating lunch with his girlfriend when a man walked up to the couple, drew a handgun and demanded PnB Rock's jewelry, according to police.
"The suspect shot the victim multiples times, removed property and then left the location in a getaway car," LAPD Capt. Kelly Muniz told reporters.
Witnesses said the suspect and the victim argued during the shooting, which was captured on the restaurant's video surveillance system.
The rapper was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead, Muniz said.
Born Rakim Hasheem Allen in Philadelphia, PnB Rock, 30, was based in Los Angeles at the time of his death.
Police closed Manchester Avenue in the vicinity of the shooting after the shooting and searched the immediate area for evidence and the getaway car.
PnB Rock had been at the restaurant with his girlfriend, who had posted a location-tagged photo in a since-deleted Instagram post, LAPD Chief Michel Moore said.
The rapper was "apparently with his girlfriend or a friend of his and as they're there enjoying a simple meal was brutally attacked by an individual who apparently ... came to the location after a social media posting of the artist and his (companion) accompanying him, posting on Instagram a picture of a meal at a location that was tagged," Moore told the Police Commission Tuesday morning.
Moore said the assailant went to the restaurant in a car, "entered the location, directly attacked Mr. PnB Rock demanding his property, (who) had an extensive amount of jewelry and other valuables."
"A struggle ensued and PnB Rock was shot and killed. Lost his life there, simply over the jewelry and valuables he had on his person."
Investigators were examining security video from inside the restaurant to identify the shooter, Moore said.
On its official Instagram page, Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles posted a statement saying, "We are deeply saddened by the death of Rakim Hasheem Allen, also known as PnB Rock, an incredible artist in Los Angeles and everywhere. His passing represents an enormous loss to each and every one of us. Our most heartfelt condolences, thoughts and prayers go to the Allen family at this difficult time. The safety of our employees and guests are our utmost priority. We have and will continue to keep our place of business as safe as possible."
The shooting and its apparent link with an Instagram post was reminiscent of the 2020 killing of rapper Pop Smoke in the Hollywood Hills. In that case, the rapper had made a series of social media posts revealing his location and valuables he had in his possession.
On Twitter, singer Nicki Minaj lamented PnB Rock's killing, writing, "After Pop Smoke there's no way we as rappers or our loved ones are still posting locations to our whereabouts. To show waffles & some fried chicken????! He was such a pleasure to work with. Condolences to his mom & family. This makes me feel so sick. Jesus."
