Miami Gardens Police Chief D. Noel-Pratt blamed rapper French Montana and his crew for a shooting that happened one night this week, saying that they never sought to get permits from the city and that if they had, there would have been police on scene to provide security.
Initial reports said that officers responded to a shooting outside The Licking soul food restaurant around 8 p.m. on Thursday where there were reportedly a total of 10 victims.
“Last night, I was in Miami celebrating the release of my CB6 mixtape w/ friends at a local restaurant,” Montana wrote on Twitter. “We unfortunately were at the wrong place, at the wrong time when an incident took place that left people hurt. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & families at this time.”
Last night, I was in Miami celebrating the release of my CB6 mixtape w/ friends at a local restaurant. We unfortunately were at the wrong place, at the wrong time when an incident took place that left people hurt. Our thoughts & prayers are w/ the victims & families at this time
— French Montana (@FrencHMonTanA) January 6, 2023
“Our hearts are heavy and go out to the victims of this senseless act,” The Licking, a restaurant group owned by DJ Khaled, said in a statement. “We were not aware of a video being filmed and found out last min(ute) French Montana was shooting a scene in the back parking lot.”
“We have no idea what actually took place,” the statement continued. “The Licking restaurant has nothing to do with the incident and has given police the necessary footage requested.”
Noel-Pratt said that the well-being of the victims was “very important” and that police “wish to convey our well wishes for a speedy and full recovery.”
“Investigations so far have revealed that the necessary permits were not obtained by the organizers of the music video production,” Noel-Pratt said. “The City’s policy requires a permit application and the appropriate law enforcement detail to be secured for these types of activities.”
“As a result of this disregard of the procedures, the unauthorized music video production led to an unfortunate situation,” the statement continued. “If the necessary agencies were notified ahead of time and protocol followed, Police Officers would have been in place to safeguard the community and assist with deterring and responding, if needed, to any situation that may arise.”
— Miami Gardens Police Dept. (@MGPDFL) January 7, 2023