Death Row Records’ former security chief has recounted the night Tupac Shakur was shot dead in Las Vegas, claiming the label felt “too safe” and “complacent” in the city.
Death Row’s former security chief makes big statement about the night Tupac was shot
The Guardian published a report on August 2 detailing “The Secret Life of Rap’s Bodyguard,” which revealed interviews with the men hired to protect Tupac Shakur and 6ix9ine. The discussion detailed the dangers of protecting a high-profile rapper’s job.
Pac’s death was a hard blow to Reggie Wright Jr., who had been director of security at Death Row Records when Suge Knight was in charge of the label. “My biggest regret is not saving Tupac’s life,” he shared.
On September 7, 1996, Tupac was shot in a drive-by shooting while driving a BMW Suge Knight near the Las Vegas Strip. The Queen dies. Knight was wounded in the head by bullet fragments but survived the shooting.
Wright Jr. claimed that his security team was unable to obtain a permit to carry a firearm the night Tupac was shot. According to Wright Jr., “complacency” on Death Row feels “too safe” in Las Vegas. This alleged nonchalant attitude is thought to be exhibited by Suge Knight as head of Death Row, possibly because the rap mogul owns a club in the area.
Tupac’s personal bodyguard Frank Alexander was not carrying a gun at the time of the shooting, as Wright Jr. revealed he was unable to obtain a gun permit. When Alexander died in 2013, a police officer at the time said he “appeared to have committed suicide.”
“Who would have thought a big celebrity would be murdered on the Las Vegas Strip?” Wright Jr. added. Over the years, some rap fans have blamed Wright Jr. for “Pac’s” death. “They always wrote that Tupac should have security sitting on either side of him, but he was not afraid and would never agree to that,” he said.
Arrests in Tupac Shakur murder case still leave unanswered questions
Keefe D, whose real name is Duane Davis, was arrested last September and charged with murder with a deadly weapon with intent to promote, further or assist street violence in connection with the death of Tupac Shakur criminal gang. The arrest comes nearly 30 years after the rapper was murdered.
Keefe D’s nephew, Orlando Anderson, is believed to be the shooter. Police said Keefe hatched a plan to avenge Anderson, who was allegedly beaten by Tupac and his entourage the night the host was murdered. Keef reportedly obtained the weapon used to kill Tupac and was present during the shooting. Terrence Brown and Deandre Smith, Anderson and Keefe D were also in the car when “Pac” was shot. Anderson, Brown and Smith are now deceased.
Keefe D also claimed that Diddy offered to pay him $1 million for his hit song “Tupac Shakur.”
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