The Los Angeles Police Department, at least according to a new report, now claims Nipsey Hussle was "never the target" of an investigation into alleged gang activity at the Marathon Clothing shop and connected strip mall.
A TMZ report filed early Wednesday citing "law enforcement sources" claimed the department's goal for the investigator was to lessen such activity in the area in general, while not specifically targeting the late artist and celebrated Los Angeles philanthropist.
The report also notes that neither the LAPD nor the L.A. City Attorney's office have given specifics on the goal of the investigation, which was reported earlier this week to have included Nipsey, inspiring a wave of controversy and criticism toward both agencies.
The New York Times, for example, reported Monday that an investigation began prior to Nipsey's murder and allegedly saw intimidation tactics from city officials including trying to get him evicted from the shopping area where Marathon was located.
LAPD reps did not immediately respond to Complex's request for comment.
In June, Nipsey was honored with the Humanitarian Award at the 2019 BET Awards.
"We will continue to remember his advocacy and be inspired by the groundwork he set forth and his dire commitment to social change," Connie Orlando, executive vice president and head of programming at the network, said at the time.
