21 Savage Had Loaded Gun at Time of Arrest, Say Police
More details are emerging surrounding the events that led to 21 Savage’s arrest.
Police tell TMZ that the rapper was pulled over after “driving recklessly” and was potentially going to hit a fully-marked cop car on the day he was taken into custody on Sunday (Feb. 3). Cops also believe he was in possession of a fully-loaded Glock.
According to three police reports, 21 was in a red Dodge Challenger and drove across the sidewalk in an attempt to get onto another street. Cops pulled over the car and ATF agents ordered 21 to stop and throw the keys out the window. He complied and also reportedly threw out a bottle containing an unknown substance.
After getting out of the vehicle, 21 was immediately handcuffed and taken away by ATF. The police report says a fully-loaded Glock with an extended magazine was found in the glove box of the car. There was also a Styrofoam cup containing an unknown substance in the center console.
It was previously reported that ICE took Savage into custody at the time, but the documents do not mention ICE. Instead, other law enforcement agencies are mentioned, including DeKalb K-9 Unit, Vice Unit, Narcotics Unit, ATF, Georgia State Patrol, and the DeKalb 90 Unit. However, a source at ATF claims ICE was there, but is not listed on the report.
Additionally, Young Nudy was listed as the target of the operation. He was in a separate car driving alongside 21 Savage.
Three cars were involved in the arrest and all of the people inside were connected, according to cops. One man named Kalil Smith, who was in a different car than Savage, was reportedly driving with an M4 rifle in the floorboard with the muzzle pointed in the direction of the officer.
21 Savage was taken into federal immigration custody by ICE and is facing deportation after overstaying his visa. JAY-Z has joined the #Free21Savage movement and hired a legal team to aid in his case.
“The arrest and detention of 21 Savage is an absolute travesty, his U visa petition has been pending for 4 years,” said the Roc Nation boss. “In addition to being a successful recording artist, 21 deserves to be reunited with his children immediately.”
UPDATE: 21 Savage’s lawyers have denied TMZ’s report about their client being arrested for a loaded gun.
“ICE has confirmed he was targeted for immigration enforcement and nothing more,” said Alex Spiro in a statement. “He was never arrested by the police, and some other individual’s firearm and vehicle is not our concern here.”
His other lawyer, Brian Steel, says the vehicle with the gun did not belong to Savage. “That was not his car and the gun retrieved is not his. No one will be falsely accusing my client. 21 Savage has done absolutely nothing wrong.”