FBI Asks Public to Help Identify Men Who Shot Rapper Offset in front of Casino

The FBI is asking the public for help to identify the suspects of the April 6 shooting of rapper Offset at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida. The agency has released photos of individuals who are suspected of the crime.

FBI Releases Photos of Suspects

Offset, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, was attacked outside a casino on the evening of the shooting. During the incident, a member of the group drew a handgun and fired a single shot, hitting the Atlanta rapper in the leg. Authorities reported that the group then tried to take his watch, but the robbery attempt failed. He was taken to the hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening and was discharged four days later.

According to police, the suspects escaped in two Chevrolet SUVs – a matte gray Tahoe and a black Suburban. Based on surveillance footage and witness statements, investigators believe the Suburban headed north toward Hollywood, while the Tahoe went south in the direction of Miami.

Interestingly, the case might have been solved that night, as just hours after the incident, Seminole Police arrested rapper Lil Tjay (Tione Jayden Merritt), who was initially suspected of the assault. However, Authorities clarified that he was not charged in connection with the shooting. Instead, he was taken into custody on separate charges, including disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license.

The case is under joint investigation by the Seminole Police Department, the FBI’s South Florida Violent Crime and Fugitive Task Force, and the FBI’s Miami field office. Since the Hard Rock is located on tribal land belonging to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, a federally recognized tribe, offenses committed there fall under federal jurisdiction.

Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online through tips.fbi.gov.

Offset Talks About the Shooting

Offset was released from the hospital on April 10 and confirmed his recovery via Instagram. He wrote that he was doing well but planned to improve further, adding that he was focused on his family, his recovery, and returning to music. He also reflected that life is made up of quiet wins and loud losses.

Offset grew up in Lawrenceville, Georgia, alongside his fellow future Migos members, Quavo and Takeoff. He shares three children with rapper Cardi B, who filed for divorce from him in 2024. He is also the father of three other children.

Many questions remain around the incident, and considering Offset’s celebrity status, there has also been a lot of speculation about the reasons why the shooting happened. One narrative that has been circulating recently is rumors that Offset has a gambling addiction. However, the rapper has not commented on these speculations.