ATLANTA, GA- On Friday, November 6th, Atlanta police responded to a shots fired call at Atlanta’s Monaco Hookah Lounge at around 3 a.m.
According to initial reports from hnhh, a fight outside of Atlanta’s Monaco Hookah Lounge resulted in gunfire, leading to two people being fatally shot.
An argument between two groups, reportedly King Von and Quando Rondo‘s crews, took place outside of the club. Two people have been confirmed dead, and multiple others were injured.
Atlanta police Deputy Chief Timothy Peek said in a statement:
“That physical altercation escalated into an exchange of gunfire with those groups,”
He continued:
“Two police officers who were working at that particular club, or lounge, noticed the altercation and engaged some of the people involved. There was an exchange of gunfire with police as well.”
UPDATE: Atlanta Police release a statement, saying King Von was shot “during the initial shootout between the two groups of males,” not by police officers.
More: https://t.co/fnMGejlRxB pic.twitter.com/GPtiGPOA2X
— Complex Music (@ComplexMusic) November 6, 2020
When news of the incident broke, many took to social media spreading false information that Von was shot by police at the club.
Hnhh reported that word spread fast alleging there was audio of police dispatch in the Chicago area that surfaced on social media, seemingly confirming that Von was fatally shot by the police.
Social media alleged that a Chicago-area officer said in the leaked audio:
“Last night in Atlanta, police shot King Von and two of his people. Social media is active with– they’re upset with the police,”
It was then spread that another officer warned her fellow officers:
“There was a police shooting in Atlanta last night and right now they’re not happy with the police. Use caution out there,”
There we rumors that the Police in Atlanta were the ones who shot and killed King Von in Atlanta, and now this. pic.twitter.com/TQDTYgZi88
— Thee Jacksonian (@JacksonianMedia) November 6, 2020
Now, Atlanta police have confirmed that Von was in fact not shot by police.
In a statement to People, the Atlanta police department says:
“It is our understanding Dayvon Bennett, a.k.a. King Von, was shot and killed during this morning’s shooting. Additionally, Mr. Bennett was not located at the scene, but arrived at a hospital shortly after the shooting, via private vehicle. The investigation into this incident remains open and very active.”
It is reported that police think Von was shot during the initial shoot-out that took place at the club between the two groups. That would mean that Von was shot before police even arrived at the scene.
The 26 year-old-rapper was said to be in critical condition at the time he arrived at the hospital, but ultimately did not survive his injuries.
DJ Akademiks claims to have had a conversation with King Von’s manager, who was also shot and is recovering in the hospital, who disputes that it was the police who shot Von, hnhh reported.
From my convo with Von manager who survived getting shot, he says it wasn’t the police who killed King Von.
However, he did say Police did engage in a shoot out with other armed individuals who were there .
King Von reportedly was unarmed.
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) November 6, 2020
Quando Rondo has not issued a statement on what happened and his current condition is unclear.
Police are still investigating the incident, and Law Enforcement Today will bring you updates as they become available.
Here is more on a shooting in Atlanta that Law Enforcement Today brought you in October.
ATLANTA, GA- Authorities are hoping that a $10,000 reward will encourage someone to come forward with information that will lead to the arrest of the gunman who shot and killed security guard Joseph Benjamin while he was getting ready to leave the apartment complex after finishing his shift.
The Atlanta Police Department is asking for help identifying the person who shot and killed a security guard last week.https://t.co/l4Tvp9xBuG pic.twitter.com/O9TwnwJ1Po
— WSB Radio (@wsbradio) October 6, 2020
The family of Benjamin continues to grieve the tragic loss and said that they will not stop until they have answers. TaShawna Davis said in a statement to Fox News:
“It was a senseless act and this gun violence has to stop. It’s left a broken link in our chain. It’s a hole.”
According to authorities, Benjamin was gunned down as he was finishing up his shift at his part-time security guard job. He patrolled the Amani Place apartment complex in Edgewood. The investigation is ongoing. Davis said:
“The person is still out there. That means it could be your family member next.”
Atlanta Police need the public’s help finding the suspect who shot and killed a security guard. https://t.co/pAYIphuT4M
— Atlanta INtown (@ATLINtownPaper) October 6, 2020
Benjamin was important to many in his life and he was seen as a hero to his family as well as others. He was trained in martial arts. Davis said:
“He boxed as well. He got into doing stunts and stuff in the film industry and that lead to Spiderman.”
Davis added that his love for Spiderman led him to giving back to children in his community. She added:
“He decided to dress up as the character and he loved that. He became Spiderman. He was our family hero.”
Davis said that Benjamin was up for a potential big role before he was shot and killed. She said:
“He just did an interview for the next black panther replacement fill in. I don’t know where that would have lead him.”
Still reeling from the tragic incident, Davis said:
“We will find you. We are not going to stop. It’s not over and it was not ok for you to take our loved one away from us.”
Atlanta police are still investigating and are hopeful that nearby surveillance cameras will help in solving this crime. In addition to the $10,000 reward offered by police, the security company Benjamin worked at is also offering a reward.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with any information that could help solve this case should contact the Atlanta Police Department. The family has also set up a GoFundMe with goal of $10,000.
The fatal shooting took place at the apartment complex where Benjamin worked as a part-time security guard. Police said that he died at the scene.
Family and friends tell me Joseph Benjamin was the security guard shot and killed Wednesday night. He was leaving the apartment where he worked when it happened. Police are still searching for the gunman. Family members say he did work as a stunt double and was a trained fighter pic.twitter.com/RIjgNXtOhc
— Eric Perry (@Ericperrytv) October 1, 2020
Benjamin had worked as a part-time security guard for George Security Officers, which is contracted to patrol the community. He was employed by the company since 2016.
Those who live in the area are saying that gunshots are becoming an every day occurrence, almost as it it is the new normal. One resident said:
“This last week three other people were shot.”
Another resident said:
“There have been other incidences over here where you hear the gunshots. I was with my godchildren the other day and we heard the gunshots and all of us took off running and this was three or four days ago.”
One resident said:
“It was kind of shocking because most of the security guards out here are friendly people.”
As of now, investigators do not have a motive for the killing. Witnesses reported hearing the gunfire, but no car speeding away from the scene. Police believe that the gunman may have fled the scene on foot.
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