Pop Smoke’s Murder Could Have Possibly Been A Targeted Attack, According To Reported Surveillance Footage
New details surrounding the death of Bashar Barakah Jackson, professionally known as rising Brooklyn rap star Pop Smoke, have emerged, and this time with video surveillance.
On Wednesday (Feb. 19), multiple reports held that Jackson was killed during a suspected home invasion. TMZ first reported that the 20-year-old was found in critical condition after two masked men invaded the Hollywood Hills home he was staying at around 4:30 a.m on Wednesday (Feb. 19). The two men reportedly shot Pop Smoke before they fled on foot, according to the outlet. The “Welcome to the Party” rapper was rushed to L.A. 's Cedars-Sinai Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Thus far, no suspects have been arrested in connection to his death nor has motive officially been stated. Several individuals were detained at the scene, but later released, the outlet additionally reported.
On Thursday (Feb. 20), sources who have reportedly seen the surveillance video from the Hollywood Hills home where Pop was staying verified to TMZ that at least four men trespassed onto the property. The video purportedly shows footage from before the invasion where four unidentified men in hoodies can be seen sneaking up to the house from the back just 10 minutes after people inside the home locked the front door deadbolts, according to TMZ. The report further states that the house alarm was not activated at the time of the attack. Law enforcement officials confirmed with TMZ that there was a party or gathering at the house prior to the incident.
This latest update comes after a Los Angeles Police Department’s press conference where Capt. Steve Lurie said there are “varying reports of two or six” suspects believed to be connected to the act of violence. Previously, the spokesperson didn’t verify whether police believe it was a targeted attack or random. There was also speculation that Pop Smoke was presumably attacked after he inadvertently publicized the address of the home in his Instagram Stories on Tuesday (Feb. 18). However, TMZ states that their sources told them the assailants mysteriously appeared to have fled without taking any items with them.
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The hip-hop community has continued to mourn the loss of Pop Smoke. Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent, Young Jeezy, Lloyd Banks, Freddie Gibbs, Quavo, Kehlani, Nas and more have taken to social media to pay tribute to the slain rapper. Pop Smoke’s unfortunate death comes just days after his second mixtape, Meet the Woo 2, debuted at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 chart.
BET continues to send its prayers, love and light to the family of Bashar Jackson during this time.
