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Rihanna's boyfriend A$AP Rocky faces TWO assault charges for shooting former friend A$AP Relli during dispute

Terell Ephron, aka A$AP Relli, a former member of the A$AP Mob, has identified himself as the victim Rocky shot in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The popular rapper A$AP Rocky will face criminal assault charges for shooting at a former member of his club, the A$AP Mob. Terell Ephron, aka A$AP Relli, a former member of the A$AP Mob, has come forward and identified himself as the victim Rocky shot during the dispute in Hollywood between Selma and Argyle Avenues. Rihanna's boyfriend, Rocky is currently facing two counts of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, according to the announcement made by Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.

In connection with the shooting, the 33-year-old artist, whose true name is Rakim Mayers, was detained in April 2022. At the time of his detention by law enforcement at the Los Angeles International Airport, Mayers was traveling home after a vacation with Rihanna. The rapper will be prosecuted on Wednesday, August 17 and the LAPD will be investigating the matter. The incident took place on November 6, 2021.

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Relli's identity was first disclosed by Rolling Stone earlier this month in August 2022. The shooting incident is believed to have taken place on November 6, 2021, between Vista Del Mar and Selma Ave. Relli, who survived the gunshot injury, told authorities that Rocky approached him with a pistol along with two other people. He accused Rocky of firing at him up to four times. One of the rounds grazed Relli's left hand. Rocky then allegedly fled the scene on foot with the two other men. The incident stemmed from an argument between “two acquaintances," cops said. Authorities collaborated with Relli to identify Mayers as a possible suspect in the shooting. 

In a statement reported by DailyMail, Gascon's office said: "Discharging a gun in a public place is a serious offense that could have ended with tragic consequences not only for the person targeted but also for innocent bystanders visiting Hollywood." The statement continued, "My office conducted a thorough review of the evidence in this case and determined that the addition of a special firearm allegation was warranted." Relli's attorneys earlier in August informed TMZ that the aspiring rapper had received death threats and had been called a "snitch" as a result of the shooting. According to the attorneys Relli has been in therapy since the shooting.

Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascon has been criticized for criminal justice reforms that critics said fueled lawlessness in a region that has experienced increased crime rates, blatant smash-and-grab robberies, and home invasions However, the top prosecutor has refuted these claims. Gascon had tweeted, "Grateful to move forward from this attempted political power grab-rest assured LA County, the work hasn’t stopped. My primary focus has been & will always be keeping us safe & creating a more equitable justice system for all. I remain strongly committed to that work & to you."

The failed attempt comes after District Attorney Chesa Boudin, another well-known California criminal justice reformer, was called back by San Francisco voters in June. 

People, including fans, slammed Rocky for being involved in a terrifying assault of shooting his former friend A$AP Relli in Hollywood. "Bro is just an awful person," one user tweeted. Another wrote, "He needs to go to and stay in jail." Another user wrote, "What's up with all the Rappers Getting in Trouble There Not happy With There Success. One user wrote, "i knew asap rocky was a grimey f word but woah shooting your own man!???? relli real for snitchin idc wrote another user." One user tweeted, "ASAP Rocky shot his high school best friend ASAP Relli and now he's suing- as he should."