• US rapper Gucci Mane targeted in armed attack in Dallas
• Authorities arrest eight suspects, including artist affiliated with his label

American rapper Gucci Mane was reportedly held at gunpoint in Dallas earlier this year, in an incident that led to the arrest of eight men, including another artist associated with his record label, according to law enforcement.

The prosecutor’s office said rapper Bu Shisti, born Lontriel Williams Jr., disguised himself to appear at a meeting and forced Gucci Mane inside a recording studio, compelling him to sign documents to terminate his contract with his label.

Mane, based in Atlanta, is one of the most prominent rappers who has collaborated with stars like Usher, Doja Cat, and Drake. He founded his label, 1017 Records, in 2007, while Williams Jr. joined as an artist in 2020.

The suspects, who have not yet entered pleas, face life imprisonment if convicted.

Authorities arrested eight of the nine suspects on Wednesday in Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville. They have been charged with kidnapping and armed robbery in federal court, while one suspect remains at large.

Law enforcement is working with Georgia authorities to locate the remaining suspect, according to U.S. Attorney Ryan Rebold at a press conference Thursday.

Federal prosecutors said the incident occurred on January 10, when Williams Jr. was under supervised release due to a prior weapons-related conspiracy conviction. Eight other suspects are also believed to have been involved, including his father, Lontriel Williams Sr.

According to a federal investigation, Williams Jr. reportedly brandished a pistol at Mane, forcing him to sign documents, while also stealing his wedding ring, watch, earrings, and cash.

The complaint also states that other suspects displayed firearms and demanded property from additional victims in the room, identified only by their initials in court filings. One victim suffered asphyxiation and injuries, with a watch, bag, headphones, and wallet taken, according to the filing.

Rebold said, “Within hours of leaving the Dallas studio, several of the suspects posted on social media, flaunting items believed to have been stolen from victims.”

The prosecutor’s office added that Mane and other victims were under the impression they “would be killed” before being forced to leave the building and go to the suspects’ vehicles.