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Troy Ave Has Entered a Plea for His Attempted Murder Charge

He claims he was the real victim in all of this.

The last five days have been tumultuous for everyone involved in the shooting at Irving Plaza last Wednesday (May 25). As the dust starts to settle, the facts of the case and who was involved are beginning to surface.

Troy Ave, who originally was thought to be strictly a victim in the shooting, was charged with attempted murder, reckless endangerment and illegal weapons possession on Thursday and has now entered a plea.

Being wheeled into court early today (May 31), Troy Ave, real name Roland Collins, pleaded not guilty to all crimes and actually claimed he was the victim of what transpired last week. He still seemed to be in pain as the NY Daily News described his movements during his plea as painful.

Prosecutors are claiming that Troy fired five times in a crowded venue with no concern for the safety of others. Three people were injured and one person, Ronald (Edgar) McPhatter —who many considered to be the New York rapper’s friend — was killed. All of this happened before the concert’s headliner, T.I., was scheduled to take the stage.

Police searched the vehicle Troy Ave took to the hospital and found three firearms. Ballistics tests confirmed one of the guns was used at the shooting, according to Assistant District Attorney Christine Keenan.

"This defendant is on video coming out of the VIP room where the individuals were shot," she said during the court proceedings. "He had the gun in his hand and was seen firing that gun in the direction of fleeing patrons."

Troy’s attorneys are disputing the DA’s claims and say he was the real victim in all of this. They also claim their client isn’t a troublemaker.

“In the hip-hop world, he's not known as one of these troublemakers. He doesn't live a gangster rap lifestyle," attorney John Stella told the judge. "What really happened here is Mr. Collins here is the real victim," said Scott Leemon, another one of Troy’s attorneys. "The person who was killed at this event, he died a hero. He was his bodyguard. He wasn't shot by Mr. Collins. He was a lifelong friend."

Many believed the shooting to stem from an ongoing feud between Troy Ave and Maino, who was also at the concert. That seemed to lose steam afterward though as it was learned that Maino was performing during the time of the backstage shooting. He also made a subsequent Instagram posting which showed him in solidarity with Troy.

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