Police arrest rapper in connection to Arkansas nightclub shooting

A rapper who was performing at the Arkansas nightclub where
25 people were shot has been arrested, police have told US media.

Gunfire was exchanged during a concert at the Power Ultra
Lounge nightclub in Little Rock early on Saturday.

Ricky Hampton, known by his stage name Finese TwoTymes, was
detained in connection with the incident.

The KATV network quoted Mr Hampton’s booking agent as saying
the rapper had “nothing to do” with the shooting.

A total of 28 people were injured, including three in a
stampede. The youngest victim was said to be 16, BBC stated.

Two people were in a serious condition, but officials said
all were expected to survive. NBC News said one other person was arrested at
the same time as Mr Hampton.

The mayor of Little Rock, Mark Stodola, said it was the
result of a disagreement involving a number of patrons at the club, which
quickly escalated because of “the presence of rivalries and weapons”.

“I want to reassure our public that this was not an act
of terrorism, but a tragedy… It does not appear to be a planned
shooting,” Mr Stodola told reporters.

Little Rock Police Chief Kenton Buckner was quoted by the
AFP news agency as saying that a number of people associated with Mr Hampton’s
group had been stopped by police after trying to enter the nightclub, at least
one of whom had a gun.

They appear to have gained access to the club later through
a different entry way, the agency said.

Mr Buckner said the authorities were investigating whether a
longstanding rivalry between gangs was to blame for the shooting.

In a post on Facebook, Mr Hampton offered condolences to the
injured who came to see him perform, saying “violence is not for the
club.”

“We all come with one motive at the end of the day, and
that’s to have fun. Not to be hurt,” he said.