Rapper Takeoff shot dead at 28

The rapper Takeoff, a member of the influential hip-hop trio Migos, was fatally shot Tuesday at a bowling alley in Houston, according to police. He was 28 years old.

Police in the Texas city said they received a call at approximately 2:34 am that a shooting was underway. Takeoff was found dead at the scene, they said.

Two other people were shot and took private vehicles to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Officers said the shooting happened following a private party of some 40 people at the bowling alley and that a large group had gathered outside the venue’s front door when shots rang out following an argument.

Pop industry news website TMZ, which broke the news early Tuesday, had said fellow Migos member Quavo was also at the bowling alley when the shooting broke out. It did not appear Quavo was injured.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner told journalists at least two firearms were involved.

He said investigators currently have “no reason to believe” that Takeoff, born Kirshnik Khari Ball, “was involved in anything criminal” at the time of the shooting, or that he was directly targeted.

“Based on what people say about him, he’s well-respected, non-violent -- I would not expect him to be involved.”