Rapper Lil Tjay has been arrested in connection with a shooting incident involving fellow rap star Offset at a Florida casino. The incident took place on Monday (April 6) at the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood, where both artists were reportedly present before an altercation escalated.
Authorities say Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt, was detained outside the casino following the disturbance. According to a statement provided to Rolling Stone from the Seminole Police Department, the Bronx rapper has been charged with disorderly conduct — affray, which is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law.
While early speculation attempted to link him more directly to the shooting, officials have not charged him with any weapons-related offenses.
“Merritt was booked into the Broward County Jail late last night,” the Seminole Police Department said in its statement. “A second person detained at the scene has not been charged. The investigation to identify one or more additional persons involved in the incident is ongoing.”
Records from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office indicate that Lil Tjay is currently being held on a $500 bond related to the disorderly conduct charge. He was also booked for a separate traffic violation, carrying a $2,500 bond.
The police statement appears to confirm widespread speculation that the shooting involving Offset and Lil Tjay’s arrest are connected, especially given prior tension between the two artists regarding an alleged gambling debt.
However, conflicting early reports created confusion, with some falsely claiming that Lil Tjay had both shot Offset and been shot himself.
Those claims were firmly denied by his attorney, Dawn M. Florio, who pushed back against what she described as misinformation circulating online.
“We are issuing this release in regards to false rumors that Lil Tjay was involved in a shooting which occurred at the Valet Area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood which resulting in non-life threatening injuries to Offset, formerly a member of Migos,” Florio wrote.
“Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false,” Florio continued. “We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting.”
Meanwhile, Offset was transported to Memorial Regional Hospital after sustaining what officials described as a “non-life-threatening” injury. A representative for the rapper confirmed his condition to Rolling Stone.
“Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care,” said the spokesperson. “He is stable and being closely monitored.”
As of now, Offset has not issued a personal statement, though fans and fellow artists have already begun expressing support and wishing him a quick recovery. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine what led to the shooting and whether additional individuals will face charges.
This story was originally published on VIBE.
