Jimmy Wopo’s Murder Sparks Fear Of Retaliatory Gang Attack In Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh police reportedly fear that the fatal shooting this week of rapper Jimmy Wopo could lead to retaliatory gang violence.

Law enforcement agencies throughout the Pittsburgh area are on alert for possible retaliation for Wopo's death on Monday, which may have been an act of gang violence, Pittsburgh's Action 4 News reported.

A police source told Action 4 News that officials are particularly worried about an attack happening at Ross Park Mall, which is believed to be a hangout for gang members. Police have not received or reported any specific threats of retaliation.

Wopo, whose real name was Travon Smart, was gunned down Monday while sitting inside a vehicle. He was 21. Minutes before the shooting, he had been discussing a deal he planned to sign for Taylor Gang Entertainment, a label founded by Wiz Khalifa.

No suspects have been named or arrested and the motive for the murder has not been determined.

Police are investigating Wopo, 21, for potential involvement in two unsolved homicides, KDKA in Pittsburgh reported. Police are reportedly hoping that people will come forward with information now that Wopo is dead.

The rapper had previously been convicted twice of drug charges and had been shot twice as a teen. He often rapped about the hardships he faced growing up in his Pittsburgh neighborhood.

Photo: Facebook

Some who knew Wopo believe his rising fame could have made him a target.

"Pittsburgh hip hop, this isn't the first time. It's happened with Tefflon, Trillzee," local rapper KRSZ told Action 4 News about two other aspiring Pittsburgh-area rappers who have been shot and killed in recent years. "Every time somebody's really in the spotlight there's just somebody hating or some type of beef they just really want to take them out."

A second male was also injured during the attack but is said to be in stable condition.

[Photo: Getty]