Hip-hop star Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, broke his public silence Saturday after a federal jury acquitted him on all five murder-for-hire charges.
Banks posted his first statement on Instagram one day after jurors rejected the government’s case following three days of deliberations.
“Against all odds, we’re stronger together,” Banks wrote. “Allah doesn’t make mistakes. I feel all the love and positive energy.”
Banks faced federal charges over an alleged plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo. Prosecutors tied the alleged scheme to the 2022 killing of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, in Los Angeles.
The government argued Banks sought retaliation after his friend, Chicago rapper Dayvon “King Von” Bennett, was killed outside an Atlanta nightclub in 2020.
Banks denied the allegations. His defense team, including attorneys Drew Findling and Brian Steele, challenged the prosecution’s theory and presented an alternative account of the shooting.
Jurors ultimately found Banks not guilty on all five counts, delivering a major victory for the Chicago rapper.
Hip-Hop Star Lil Durk Thanks Attorneys Drew Findling & Brian Steele In First Post After Acquittal On Federal Murder-For-Hire Charges
Banks focused on faith, family and community in his first public comments following the verdict. He also said he wanted to use his freedom to help young people.
“Now let me be free to help save our kids and bring unity back to our communities,” Banks wrote.
He credited his family, attorneys and supporters for helping him through the prosecution.
“I couldn’t have made it this far without my family, my lawyers, and supporters,” Banks wrote. “🤲🏽 Freedom. Freedom. Freedom.”
The Instagram post did not address the government’s allegations in detail. Instead, Banks framed the acquittal as an opportunity to move forward and serve his community.
The case became one of hip-hop’s most closely watched federal prosecutions. The allegations also threatened to overshadow Banks’ career as a prominent Chicago rap artist.
His acquittal now clears a significant legal hurdle. Banks’ repeated reference to “freedom” underscored the personal significance of the verdict.
“Freedom.”
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