Offset Stable Following Shooting Near Florida Casino

Offset, rapper and formerly one-third of the group Migos, was non-fatally shot on Monday night outside of a South Florida casino.

The 34-year-old native of Atlanta, Georgia, whose real name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, is stable following the incident. Images of him sitting outside of his hospital room emerged on Tuesday, showing his condition.

Cephus’ former close friend and another member of Migos, Kirsnick Khari Ball, known by the stage name Takeoff, was shot and killed at a Houston bowling alley three years ago.

Offset shot at Hard Rock casino

Monday’s shooting was sparked by a fight at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, just north of Miami, the Seminole Police Department said.

Two individuals were detained after the incident, which occurred around 7:00 p.m. local time. One of those was non-Migos-affiliated rapper Lil Tjay, real name Tione Jayden Merritt, who was put in handcuffs for his role in the scuffle that preceded the shooting. 

The 24-year-old was ultimately charged with disorderly conduct and operating a vehicle without a valid license. 

Different online rumors suggested that Merritt was also shot and that he was the assailant who shot Cephus. However, his attorney, Dawn M. Florio denied those claims in a statement issued on Instagram on Tuesday. 

“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 (sic) in non-life-threatening injuries to Offset, formerly a member of Migos,” Florio said in an Instagram post, while confirming that he was not in possession of a firearm.

Florio also noted that she paid Merritt’s bond, leading to his release on Tuesday afternoon. 

The second person who was detained at the scene has not been charged.

Offset, Migos, and the death of Takeoff

In addition to Offset, police reported that a second unidentified individual sustained injuries at a valet area outside of the Seminole casino.

It still isn’t publicly known what initiated the conflict. However, police are continuing with an investigation into the matter.

Offset and Migos rose to fame in 2013 with their hit song “Versace.” An official remix featuring megastar Drake released in 2015 helped put them into mainstream channels and propelled them to multiple multiplatinum singles and a number-one hit with “Bad and Boujee.”

Offset married fellow rap superstar Cardi B, real name Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar, in 2017. However, Cardi announced she filed for divorce in 2024 in a situation that is still unresolved. 

Takeoff’s fatal incident at the Houston bowling alley came through no fault of his, as police confirmed that he was merely an innocent bystander at a dice game.

Quavo, real name Quavious Keyate Marshall, was the eldest member of Migos and Takeoff’s uncle. He held a summit against gun violence in 2024 following his nephew’s passing.