World

Arkansas nightclub shooting rapper in 'unrelated' arrest

July 2, 2017 5:00 pm

A rapper who was performing at the Arkansas nightclub where 25 people were shot has been arrested on unrelated charges, US police say.

Gunfire was exchanged during a concert at the Power Ultra Lounge nightclub in Little Rock early on Saturday.

Ricky Hampton, known by his stage name Finese 2 Tymes, was detained by police early on Sunday.

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Little Rock Police tweeted that the arrest was on outstanding warrants and is unrelated to the shooting.

A total of 28 people were injured, including three in a stampede. The youngest victim was said to be 16.

Two people were in a serious condition, but officials said all were expected to survive.

The mayor of Little Rock, Mark Stodola, said the shooting was the result of a disagreement involving a number of patrons at the club, which quickly escalated because of “the presence of rivalries and weapons”.

“I want to reassure our public that this was not an act of terrorism, but a tragedy… It does not appear to be a planned shooting,” Mr Stodola told reporters.