Rappers French Montana and Rob49 did not have permission to film a music video in Miami Gardens, where at least 10 people were injured in a shooting on Thursday night.
“Investigations so far have revealed that the necessary permits were not obtained by the organizers of the music video production,” said Miami Gardens police chief Delma Noel-Pratt, in a statement late Friday. “The City’s policy requires a permit application and the appropriate law enforcement detail to be secured for these types of activities.
“As a result of this disregard of the procedures, the unauthorized music video production led to an unfortunate situation. If the necessary agencies were notified ahead of time and protocol followed, police officers would have been in place to safeguard the community and assist with deterring and responding, if needed, to any situation that may arise."
French Montana made no mention of the music video in a tweet on Friday.
“Last night, I was in Miami celebrating the release of my CB6 mixtape w/ friends at a local restaurant. We unfortunately were at the wrong place, at the wrong time when an incident took place that left people hurt. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & families at this time.”
MORE: 10 Shot Outside DJ Khaled Eatery As French Montana Films Music Video
According to multiple video clips posted to social media, French Montana and Rob49 were filming scenes for a music video outside The Licking restaurant when shots were fired.
The eatery, which is co-owned by music producer DJ Khaled, said in a statement Friday that it did not know about the production.
“Our hearts are heavy and go out to the victims of this senseless act. We were not aware of a video being filmed and found out last minute. French Montana was shooting a scene in the back parking lot. We have no idea what actually took place. The Licking restaurant has nothing to do with the incident and has given police the necessary footage requested.”
#NEW: Rapper 'CED Mogul' shared this video with @nbc6. He says shows #FrenchMontana and #Rob49 in the backseat of a car during the video shoot, and prior to the shooting.
— Ryan Nelson (@RyanNelsonTV) January 6, 2023
Witnesses say #Rob49 was among nine people shot. @MGPDFL would only confirm multiple shot. #Miami pic.twitter.com/xHjCuIaI7H
A small crowd was gathered to watch filming of the music video when the shots were fired.
Miami Dade Fire Rescue said in a release that first responders found "several patients suffering traumatic injuries" at the scene and "other injured patients" at a nearby fire station.
"As a result of the incident, a total of 10 patients were injured. Four of the patients self-transported to local area hospitals. MDFR transported the remaining 6 patients by ground and air rescue to local trauma centers.”
On social media, there is speculation that Rob49 was one of the victims. The rapper has not publicly addressed the incident.