Harlem-born rapper Dave East has dismissed unfounded claims tying him to the shocking murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
The rumors began circulating after a police sketch of the suspected gunman appeared online, with some social media users joking that the image resembled the rapper.
“Damn sure wasn’t me. They playing games for real. RIP to homie tho,” East posted, addressing the baseless comparisons. Despite the lighthearted tone of some comments, the situation remains a grave one. New York Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the killing as a “premeditated, preplanned targeted attack.”
Thompson, 50, was gunned down on December 4 outside the New York Hilton Midtown hotel, moments before he was set to speak at an investor meeting. The attacker, dressed entirely in black with a gray backpack, shot Thompson in the back and calf before fleeing on an electric bike. Authorities have not released further details about the motive or suspect’s identity.
The suspect remains at large. Authorities originally claimed that the suspect returned to Atlanta via bus. The claim was never confirmed.
While the online speculation surrounding Dave East gained traction, it underscores the sensitivity of such a high-profile crime. For now, the focus remains on unraveling the circumstances behind the targeted attack that claimed the life of a prominent executive.
In music, Dave East released a joint album, Living Proof, with araabMUZIK last month. The album features Benny the Butcher, Fabolous, Swizz Beatz, Stacy Barthe, and Ransom. Living Proof is East’s third collaboration album of 2024, following For the Love and Apt 6E.
East collaborated with Mike & Keys and Scram Jones on the other 2024 albums, which also featured collaborations with Kurupt, Buddy, and Shaggy. All three albums are available on all streaming platforms.
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