Plies Felony Gun Charge Dropped ... After Airport Arrest
Plies just caught a break after being hauled out of an airport in cuffs this summer, because prosecutors are dropping the felony gun charge against the rapper ... TMZ has learned.
A county clerk tells us Plies was facing a felony charge for carrying a concealed firearm, but prosecutors dropped it after he completed a concealed weapons course. They'd also determined he had a valid permit for carrying a concealed weapon.
We broke the story ... Plies was arrested in September after a gun was found in his carry-on luggage as he was attempting to board a Delta flight in Tampa. TSA agents discovered a Glock .43 in one of his bags, as well as a fully-loaded magazine lying next to the firearm, and cops said Plies did not have a permit for the gun.
Sources close to Plies tell TMZ he grabbed the wrong bag by mistake, and admitted the gun is his.
No word on if Plies got packing tips during the concealed weapons course.
See also
Chief Keef I Don't Give a F*** About Tekashi ... But, Let's Talk Orchestra!!!
Chief Keef still doesn't want to utter Tekashi69's name after the rainbow-haired MC was linked to a shooting involving Keef -- but he's more than happy to talk symphonies.
We got CK Wednesday on Rodeo Drive, where he appeared to be hitting the strip for some retail therapy. Our guy complimented his fashion choices, but when we tried to ask about 6ix9ine ... Keef quickly warned us off that topic.
He told us point-blank, he doesn't give a f**k about Tekashi, and added we're barking up the wrong tree by asking him about the dude.
Remember, police are still investigating Tekashi after one of his known associates was found to be tailing Keef, leading up to someone opening fire on him in NYC.
But, the Chi-town rapper was happy to talk strings and woodwinds!
While holding strong on his silence policy regarding Tekashi ... he happily opened up about his recent collab with the Drill Symphony on his hit song, "Love Sosa." No doubt, it was a huge left turn for him, musically speaking, but he told us he's down to jam with 'em again.
Classic-al Chief!
See also
Jared Goff, L.A. Rams Heartbroken, Vow To Help Victims of Thousand Oaks Shooting
Jared Goff and his teammates are devastated by the bar shooting that left 12 people dead just miles from the team's headquarters ... with some players vowing to help in any way possible.
FYI -- the L.A. Rams practice facility in Thousand Oaks is just 5 miles from the Borderline Bar & Grill, where David Ian Long opened fire around 11:20 PM on Wednesday.
Goff spoke out about the tragedy on Thursday ... saying "Heartbroken for our community. Thinking about everyone involved as well as friends and family of the victims. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers."
Offensive lineman Andrew Whitworth added ... "I’m just sorry to those affected. I don’t have words that I feel can help. But I promise to find a way to help support our community through this tragedy!"
The team released a statement saying, "The Los Angeles Rams organization is heartbroken by the horrific shooting that took place last night in our community of Thousand Oaks."
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and our entire community."
Punter Johnny Hekker ... "Praying comfort and healing to those affected by this senseless shooting. Thank you to the first responders who put their lives on the line to protect and serve us every day."
"Thousand Oaks is my home; I will do everything in my power to help those in need of support."
Cooper Kupp added, "Heartbroken. Thoughts and prayers are with the people of this community, and those that have lost loved ones."
The L.A. Chargers also shared condolences ... "We are deeply saddened by the terrible news coming out of Thousand Oaks this morning."
"Our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones during this horrific tragedy, and we honor the brave and heroic actions of first responders who rushed to the scene to help."
See also
Angela Simmons' Ex Alleged Killer Turns Himself In ... Charged with Murder
-
EXCLUSIVE
- 2 shares
The man who allegedly shot and killed Angela Simmons' ex-fiance has turned himself into authorities ... TMZ has learned.
The lawyer for Michael Williams tells TMZ ... Williams turned himself into the Atlanta Police Dept. just moments ago. The 44-year-old has been charged with murder.
The attorney, Jackie Patterson, tells us his client denies the allegations that he shot and killed Sutton Tennyson, Angela's ex-fiance and father of their child.
As we reported ... Sutton was shot and killed over the weekend at his home. Cops say they found him dead in his garage with multiple gunshot wounds. Cops added Sutton was talking in the driveway with another man when the conversation got heated and he was shot. The suspect fled in a car.
Following Sutton's death, Simmons said, "Thank you for leaving behind my greatest gift. I'm hurting. I'm numb. Thank you for the outpouring of love everyone. I can't believe I'm even saying Rest in Peace Sutton. I promise to hold SJ down in every way I promise."
Williams has been charged with murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of a firearm during commission of a felony.
See also
Tekashi 6ix9ine Manager Surrenders to Cops ... Over NYC Shooting
3:20 PM PT -- A grand jury has now indicted Shottie on 2 felonies -- an attempt to commit the crime of assault in the first degree, and assault in the second degree.
9:34 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, Shottie has been charged with gang assault -- which is a felony -- and weapon possession for allegedly hitting a guy in the head with a chair.
Tekashi 6ix9ine's Brooklyn crew just got a little smaller, 'cause one of the dudes who allegedly helped spark a shooting last weekend just turned himself in to cops ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us ... Tekashi's manager, Shottie, surrendered to the NYPD Wednesday. Witnesses say he allegedly escalated a violent confrontation between 6ix9ine's NYC entourage and his label head's security.
We broke the story ... gunfire erupted when Tekashi's Tr3yway crew was denied access to a restaurant where Tekashi was set to meet with West Coast music exec Elliot Grainge. Two of Elliot's bodyguards turned Tekashi's entire crew away, which blew up when some of them stuck around and allegedly instigated a brawl ... that ended with someone being shot.
We're told cops believe Shottie was one of three of Tekashi's guys who got violent and allegedly struck the bodyguards with a chair. Eyewitnesses also told cops he uttered an ominous threat, allegedly saying ... "I'm going to violate you both with gunshots."
At some point, we're told one of Elliot's bodyguards saw someone in Tekashi's camp reach for something in their waistband, which prompted him to fire his weapon.
An unidentified member of Tekashi's crew was struck in the gut, and Shottie bolted from the scene while two other Tekashi-linked guys were arrested. Shottie's attorney previously told us his client had no involvement in any crime, and promised the charges would be dropped.
Originally Published -- 7:57 AM PST
See also
Tekashi69 Cops Fear He's at the Center Of Bubbling East-West Coast War
Tekashi69 is in the middle of a deadly game of tug-of-war between his NY crew and his record label team in Cali, which could get worse after last week's shooting ... according to cops, anyway.
Law enforcement sources familiar with the case tell TMZ that they fear more blood could be shed after things reached a boiling point between two factions of Tekashi's world.
We broke the story ... Tekashi was set to meet with record producer Elliot Grainge for a dinner meeting in NYC, but things got heated after Tekashi's entourage was denied entry ... and shots were eventually fired, leaving one of 6ix9ine's guys with a bullet in his gut.
We're told last week's confrontation was not a one-time freak thing -- it had been brewing for a while, as there have been several disagreements between Tekashi's camp in the East and Elliot's team in the West on how Tekashi's career should be managed.
BTW ... Tekashi is signed to Elliot's label, 10k Projects, which also has Trippie Redd signed as an artist.
Regarding the East Coast/West Coast "war," our law enforcement sources say it's nothing on the scale of the Tupac-Biggie beef from the '90s ... it's way smaller than that.
Still, we're told police fear the worst is yet to come between these two groups. Meanwhile, Tekashi has stayed silent on the shooting and the bad blood in general.
We've reached out to Tekashi and the NYPD for comment ... so far, no word back.
See also
Pittsburgh Penguins Honoring Synagogue Victims ... Raising Tons of Money
The Pittsburgh Penguins will honor the victims and families of those affected by this weekend's Synagogue shooting by wearing a special "Stronger Than Hate" patch on their jerseys Tuesday night.
The team says it will also donate $50,000 to help victims -- and will give all proceeds from the evening's 50/50 raffle to the cause.
There's more ... each player -- from Sidney Crosby to Evgeni Malkin -- will sign their jerseys after the game against the New York Islanders and donate them to be auctioned off with proceeds helping the victims.
As we previously reported ... 11 people were murdered after an anti-Semitic shooter opened fire inside the Tree of Life synagogue on Saturday.
Props to the Pens for the move ... and to chip in from afar -- the team says to donate here.
See also
Tyler Perry I Go to Churches with Armed Guards ... It's a Sad Testament
Tyler Perry thinks houses of worship should remain holy and sacrosanct, but the sad reality is that armed guards may be necessary.
The "Nobody's Fool" director was in NYC Tuesday, where he said Trump's call to arms in houses of worship is not the solution.
On the other hand ... Tyler seems to say, at least in some cases, arming people in churches and temples may be a necessity for now ... he actually attends churches with armed guards, and it sounds like it gives him some sort of peace of mind.
See also
Alabama's Rabbi Rube We're Prepared to Arm Ourselves After Pittsburgh Tragedy
A rabbi in the deep South says he and his congregation are seriously considering taking President Trump's advice -- in the wake of the mass shooting in Pittsburgh -- and arm themselves during worship.
Rabbi Moshe Rube -- who heads up the Knesseth Israel Congregation in Birmingham, AL -- tells TMZ ... he's already spoken to temple members about having someone armed on-site after a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life Synagogue.
You'll recall, President Trump caught some flak for suggesting the killing might've been avoided if people inside were armed -- but the idea's clearly gained support from some Jewish leaders.
Rabbi Rube says he's considering several options, including having members carry concealed weapons during services, as long as they're licensed.
Considering Alabama's history of racially-motivated church bombings and anti-Semitic attacks ... the rabbi says it's a difficult subject that simply couldn't be avoided.
As he puts it ... everything's on the table now.
See also
Rep. Sean Duffy I'm with Trump ... Media and the Left Inciting Violence
Congressman Sean Duffy thinks it's grossly unfair to lay blame on President Trump for the bombs sent to political foes of the Prez -- and he had a heated debate with us over it on TMZ Live.
The Republican rep from Wisconsin -- and former 'Real World' star -- joined us Monday to explain why he believes there's a clear double standard from anyone trying to blame Trump for the pipe bombs mailed to prominent Democrats.
The way Sean sees it, suspected bomber Cesar A. Sayoc was crazy long before Trump took office.
As for the perception POTUS is condoning violence, Sean argues the left has more metaphorical blood on their hands.
See also
UFC's Stephan Bonnar Arrested for DUI Detained By Gun-Toting Citizens
1:22 PM PT -- Cops say Bonnar was speeding down I-15 in a red Cadillac CTS in excess of 90 MPH around 1:15 PM.
Witnesses say he was driving like a maniac. By the time the Highway Patrol responded to the scene, citizens had already surrounded the vehicle and physically restrained Bonnar, who appeared incoherent.
As cops tried to place handcuffs on him, Bonnar woke up and began to resist. With help from the citizens, cops eventually got him cuffed and transported him to a nearby station where he was booked for 3rd-degree felony DUI.
Cops say Bonnar reeked of booze. Medical staff also responded to the scene and determined nothing was medically abnormal, he was just drunk.
UFC Hall of Famer Stephan Bonnar was arrested for DUI on Sunday -- after a group of concerned citizens (one armed with a gun) corralled him after an apparent car crash in Nevada.
Law enforcement sources tell us ... witnesses claim the 41-year-old was driving erratically and feared he would hurt someone.
Somehow, a group of concerned citizens wrangled Bonnar to the ground and kept him at bay until law enforcement arrived.
One he was taken into official custody he was booked for DUI, resisting arrest and unsafe driving. Bail was set at $22,000.
Bonnar is a UFC legend -- he fought Forrest Griffin in the finale of the very first season of "The Ultimate Fighter" back in 2005 -- a fight that's regarded as one of the best and most important in UFC history.
Bonnar lost that fight, but got a UFC contract out of the deal and went on to have a pretty solid career -- fighting guys like Anderson Silva and Jon Jones.
Originally Published -- 10/29/2018 11:38 AM PDT
See also
Sarah Palin Don't Blame Trump for Synagogue Shooting!!! Here's the Real Solution
Sarah Palin has an answer for stopping mass shootings in America ... and it has nothing to do with restricting gun sales or getting more weapons in the hands of law enforcement.
We got Sarah Monday at LAX and asked about the deadly attack at a Pittsburgh synagogue, and what can be done to prevent domestic terrorism ... and Sarah tells us it's all about religion -- or lack thereof.
Check out the clip ... Sarah preaches about driving out evil by worshiping God, telling us why religion will be way more effective than protesting or screaming into the Twittersphere.
As for where people should be placing blame ... Palin firmly states neither President Trump nor guns are responsible.
See also
'America's Rabbi' Shmuley Trump's Right, Arm Our Synagogues ... But Gov't Has to Pay for it
President Trump's call for arming synagogues after the mass shooting in Pittsburgh really is NOT a crazy idea ... so says Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, one of the country's most prominent Jewish leaders.
Shmuley -- who's been dubbed "America's Rabbi" and a rabbi to the stars -- tells us he completely agrees with DT's suggestion that armed security should be in place at places of worship after a gunman killed 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue Saturday.
There's a catch though, according to Shmuley. He says beefing up security at synagogues across the U.S.A. ain't gonna be cheap, and Uncle Sam's gotta chip in to make it happen.
Even more troubling ... he tells us synagogues everywhere are already considering moves to protect themselves in the wake of the anti-Semitic attack. He goes on to condemn social media posts made by the suspected shooter, Robert Bowers, illustrating his hatred of Jews.
Shmuley added ... Jewish people have time and again been scapegoats for bigots and madmen, so it's high time synagogues wise up and look out for their safety.
See also
Tekashi69 Crew Allegedly Packed Heat, Threatened To Kill During Restaurant Melee
The shooting that left a hole in the stomach of a Tekashi69 crew member was triggered by threats of gun violence and death ... threats coming from the rapper's own muscle.
Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Tekashi's crew tried to bully its way into the NYC restaurant where 6ix9ine was supposed to meet with a record exec. The rapper's security was turned away and threatened to shoot the men who wouldn't let them in.
We're told Tekashi was meeting record exec Elliot Grainge for dinner. Elliot was waiting for Tekashi at the restaurant with his two bodyguards, retired NYPD detective Efrain Vasquez and Maurice Fernandez.
When Tekashi arrived with his 7-person entourage, a fight broke out after Fernandez told Tekashi's crew they weren't welcome. 6ix9ine then called off the meeting and left.
Some of Tekashi's crew stayed behind and for some reason insisted on entering. One of the men allegedly shouted, "F*** this, I'm getting inside!"
Fernandez texted Vasquez -- who was inside -- telling him Tekashi's men were trying to force their way in and feared they had guns.
Vasquez charged outside to back up Fernandez, and then Tekashi's crew member, Shottie, allegedly threatened them, saying, "I'm going to violate you both with gunshots."
One of the men in 6ix9ine's group then allegedly yelled, "Shoot these motherf***ers! Gunfire!"
One of Tekashi's associates allegedly struck Vasquez in the head with a chair ... and two witnesses said Shottie was the man wielding the furniture.
Vasquez saw one of Tekashi's guys pull up his shirt and reach for something in his waistband ... that's when Vasquez brandished his gun, firing 2 rounds and hitting one of Tekashi's crew in the stomach.
Everyone scattered after gunfire erupted, but police tracked down and arrested 2 of the 3 Tekashi associates allegedly involved in the melee ... Faheem "Crippie" Walter and Zachary Bunce.
Shottie -- real name Kifano Jordan -- has not been apprehended.
Lance Lazzaro, the criminal defense attorney who reps Tekashi, Shottie and the 2 men, tells TMZ ... "It is my understanding that Tekashi was not present when the incident occurred. Shottie has no involvement with any criminal act. The two other men were victims of an assault. The charges will be completely dismissed at some point against them both."
It's interesting ... just hours before the shooting, Tekashi got off with probation in his child sex case and the judge warned the rapper to stay out of trouble or risk going to prison.
See also
Lil Xan Police Investigation Into St. Louis Gun Threat
A terrifying gun threat made against Lil Xan earlier this month -- that triggered a concert cancellation -- is now the subject of a criminal investigation ... TMZ has learned.
Law enforcement sources tell us cops are investigating a series of threats made against Xan earlier this month. We're told it centers around videos and photos posted by St. Louis rapper VladHQ that show him with multiple firearms and calling out Xan.
One disturbing video shows Vlad spraying bullets into a lake, calling Xan a "bitch" and asking for "smoke" at his scheduled Oct. 10 concert at The Pageant.
He also posted a photo of himself with what appear to be three AK-47s, with a caption that read ... "hi Lil Xan see ya later at your show."
Like we told you ... Xan went on to cancel his St. Louis show after the images surfaced, which police are clearly taking seriously.
Our sources say no arrests have been made, nor have any warrants been issued.
Vlad and Xan's beef appears to stem from a dispute over money.
See also
Domestic Terrorism Shooter Opens Fire at Pittsburgh Synagogue ...11 Confirmed Dead
3:35 PM PT -- The Anti-Defamation League says the shooting is believed to be the deadliest attack on the Jewish community in U.S. history.
2:40 PM PT -- U.S. Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, issued a statement, saying in part: "Hatred and violence on the basis of religion can have no place in our society. These alleged crimes are reprehensible and utterly repugnant to the values of this nation. Accordingly, the Department of Justice will file hate crimes and other criminal charges against the defendant, including charges that could lead to the death penalty."
2:20 PM PT -- Officials say 3 handguns and an assault rifle were found at the scene, and the suspect, Robert Bowers, is in fair condition with multiple gunshot wounds.
1:10 PM PT -- Press conference with the Allegheny Director of Public Safety ... 11 fatalities and 6 injuries, 4 of the injuries were officers shot. There weren't any children injured or killed.
12:30 PM PT -- At least 10 dead, according to officials.
12:05 PM PT -- Pittsburgh public safety director Wendell Hissrich says there are 6 injuries, and 4 of them are officers. He described the crime scene as "horrific" and said the synagogue shooting is being considered a hate crime and will fall under federal investigation.
10:45 AM PT -- The suspected gunman has been identified by law enforcement officials as 46-year-old Robert Bowers.
9:15 AM PT -- We've seen what looks like the shooter's social media page, and it says "Jews are the children of Satan." His last post reads, "I can't sit by and watch my people get slaughtered. Screw your optics, I'm going in."
The shooter is reportedly a member of Gab, an alternative social media site frequented by white supremacists.
10:00 AM PT -- Donald Trump just said the shooting could have been prevented if someone inside the temple had a gun. He then weirdly talks about the death penalty, as if that might have prevented the shooting.
A gunman opened fire at a Jewish synagogue in Pittsburgh during a prayer service, 4 people are confirmed dead, and this was clearly an anti-Semitic attack.
The shooter entered the Tree of Life Congregation and began spraying bullets. According to cops, the shooter came with an AR-15 and said, "All Jews need to die."
When cops arrived, the shooter began firing at them. According to CNN, at least 3 cops have been shot.
#BreakingNews Reports of an active shooter in a synagogue in Squirrel Hill. Huge police presence pic.twitter.com/vodOAuEBsu
@WPXI_Lori
Authorities believe as many as 8 people from the synagogue might be dead, and at least 12 have been shot.
Carnegie Mellon University, which is near the temple, is on lockdown.
Authorities have the shooter in custody.
Story developing.