BSB Member Ronald “Banga” McPhatter Killed During Shooting at T.I.’s Show in Irving Plaza
Ronald "Banga" McPhatter, member of Troy Ave's B$B crew, was shot and killed last night (May 25) at the Irving Plaza shooting in New York City, confirms the NY Post. He was 33 years old.
Banga was reportedly shot in the chest and confirmed dead at Beth Israel hospital. Troy Ave is still in the hospital recovering from sustaining a gunshot to the leg.
The scene at the venue last night was hectic as shots rang out in the third floor green room area. Reports say a suspect was seen on surveillance footage with a gun, but no one is yet to be arrested. XXL has reached out to the NYPD's Deputy Commissioner of Public Information, who says no arrests have been made as of noon today (May 26).
Uncle Murda and Maino were reportedly on stage performing when multiple shots were heard throughout the venue. A source tells the Post when people began fleeing the green room, the suspect exited and continued firing.
In an Instagram post this morning, former B$B associate Money Nels spoke on Banga's death. "Life is short. I just spoke to my guy a couple days ago. @bsbbang was a real good dude. My deepest condolences to his family. #RIP."
According to an employee of the venue who spoke with NY Daily News, a scuffle broke out between Maino's crew and Troy Ave's crew. Both the gunman and victims were credentialed guests with V.I.P. passes. Security at venues is often lax for those in an artist's entourage, hence why the weapon might have gone undetected. Daily News also reports that McPhatter stumbled down the stairs after sustaining his gunshot wound.
“It was a fight over a push, it was over some b-------,” Johnny Wilkins, a Bronx barber, told the Daily News. “It was like 50 or 60 people in the VIP room. It was crazy. It’s crazy more people didn’t get shot.”
Below you can see Troy Ave's 2014 Freshman profile with a brief appearance from Banga. Rest in peace to the former B$B member. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
Check Out Photos From the Scene of the Irving Plaza Shooting