Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine injured in assault at Florida gym
Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine (Daniel Hernandez) performs during the Philipp Plein Women's 2019 Spring-Summer Collection, unveiled during Fashion Week in Milan, Italy, on September 21, 2018. (Photo: AP)

FLORIDA,USA (AP) – Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, whose testimony against his own gang helped convict two high-ranking members, was assaulted by several people at a gym in Florida, officials said Wednesday.

An "altercation between several individuals" brought Palm Beach County sheriff's deputies to an LA Fitness outlet in Lake Worth on Tuesday night, the sheriff's office said in a social media post.

The assault left the rapper, whose real name is Daniel Hernandez, with several injuries. He was taken to a hospital but his injuries were not considered life-threatening, officials said.

A motive for the assault, including whether it was connected to his cooperation with prosecutors, was unclear. No arrests have been made, and investigators have asked anyone with information to contact them.

The rapper's attorney, Lance Lazzaro, did not respond to an e-mail from The Associated Press. But he told other news outlets that Hernandez was attacked by three or four people in the gym's sauna.

Tekashi 6ix9ine, known for his rainbow-coloured hair and "69" tattoo on his forehead, previously faced decades in prison as part of a racketeering case in which he was accused of using a violent gang as a "personal hit squad".

Instead, his sentence was reduced to about two years after his testimony against the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, earning him a label as a "snitch".

Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at https://bit.ly/epaper-login

HOUSE RULES

  1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper; email addresses will not be published.
  2. Please understand that comments are moderated and it is not always possible to publish all that have been submitted. We will, however, try to publish comments that are representative of all received.
  3. We ask that comments are civil and free of libellous or hateful material. Also please stick to the topic under discussion.
  4. Please do not write in block capitals since this makes your comment hard to read.
  5. Please don't use the comments to advertise. However, our advertising department can be more than accommodating if emailed: advertising@jamaicaobserver.com.
  6. If readers wish to report offensive comments, suggest a correction or share a story then please email: community@jamaicaobserver.com.
  7. Lastly, read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Polls

Which long-term investment option is more attractive to you at the moment?