From a San Diego robbery attempt to the infamous Irving Plaza shooting, Troy Ave’s history with firearms continues to stir controversy and conversation.
On July 16, 2025, surveillance footage emerged showing Brooklyn rapper Troy Ave allegedly pulling out a firearm and firing two shots after an individual attempted to rob his friend and celebrity chef, Geoff Cole, outside Cole’s San Diego-area residence.
The video captured a masked man rushing from behind and striking Cole before Troy Ave intervened to protect him .Initial reports from Power 105.1 described Troy Ave’s quick, protective response, but within hours, TMZ suggested the entire scenario may have been staged for social media attention—reporting law enforcement found no evidence to support a real robbery or live rounds being fired.
What We Know So Far:
Security footage clearly shows the confrontation unfolding .Reports vary, with some calling the act heroic, while others allege it was staged.Authorities are investigating, and no charges or official confirmations have been announced.
A Reminder from Irving Plaza:
This new incident echoes a far more serious event from May 2016 at Irving Plaza in New York City. As Troy Ave was preparing backstage at a T.I. concert, a gunshot rang out—his bodyguard, Ronald “Banga” McPhatter, was killed, and Troy Ave and two others were wounded .
He was charged with attempted murder and illegal weapons possession; however, he maintained his innocence, stating the shooting was self-defense .Daryl “Taxstone” Campbell was later convicted of manslaughter in that case and sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role .Troy Ave also filed a lawsuit against Irving Plaza and Live Nation, claiming negligence in their failure to provide adequate security.
While it remains unclear whether the San Diego incident was genuine or fabricated for attention, the resurfacing of Troy Ave’s firearm in public has reignited debates around his past and reputation. His 2016 experience at Irving Plaza showed a high-stakes scenario that ended tragically and legally ensnared him.
Whether this latest event reflects genuine street vigilantism or a contrived spectacle, it underscores ongoing questions about celebrity, gun culture, and the blurred lines between authenticity and performance.
