Music Wire
September 1996
by Lynda Lane

Rapper Tupac Shakur had to have his right lung removed due to internal injuries sustained from several gunshot wounds, including three in his chest, when an assailant opened fire on the car he was riding in on Saturday, September 7, 1996. He underwent surgery on Sunday evening at the University Medical Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, and continues to be listed in critical condition. Hospital spokesman Dale Pugh said additional surgery may be required, though none is scheduled at this time.

The shooting happened around 11:15 p.m. Saturday night when Shakur, Death Row Records executive Marion "Suge" Knight and an entourage of 10 cars were heading to a nightclub after attending the Mike Tyson-Bruce Seldon heavyweight title boxing match. A white, four-door Cadillac pulled up beside the car Shakur, 25, and Knight, 31, were riding in, and opened fire. Knight suffered a minor wound to the head, and was released Sunday. So far, no suspects have been found.

According to Death Row Records publicist George Pryce , the label does not have a comment as of yet on the situation, but is looking into setting up a press conference with Shakur's mother and family. No date has been set. Check with Music Wire for upcoming information.