Mayukh Saha

Mayukh Saha

January 21, 2025

First Responder Reveals Tupac’s Final Words After He Was Shot

It has been nearly 30 years since the world lost one of its most iconic rappers, Tupac Shakur. Fatally shot on September 7, 1996, after attending a boxing match in Las Vegas, his death remains a point of intrigue and heartbreak for fans and investigators alike. Recently, retired Las Vegas Police Officer Chris Carroll, one of the first responders on the scene, shared his recollections of that fateful night—including the rapper’s haunting final words.

A Night of Chaos in Las Vegas

Officer Chris Carroll
Image Credits: YouTube

On the night of his murder, Tupac had been watching the highly anticipated fight between Bruce Seldon and Mike Tyson at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. After the match, the rapper, alongside Death Row Records CEO Suge Knight, was en route to a nightclub when their vehicle was ambushed.

A car pulled up beside Tupac’s BMW, and gunfire erupted. Shakur was struck multiple times, including two fatal shots to the chest. Knight, who was grazed by a bullet near his head, managed to drive a short distance before coming to a stop. The scene quickly descended into chaos as witnesses scrambled to comprehend what had just unfolded.

The First Responder’s Arrival

Chris Carroll, a police officer on patrol that night, was among the first to arrive. He described a scene of utter pandemonium, with Tupac bleeding profusely and Suge Knight visibly distraught. “I looked at him [Shakur], and I was like, ‘This guy’s probably gonna die.’ I could tell by looking at him—it was a bad situation,” Carroll recounted in an interview with The Art of Dialogue.

Carroll tried to assess the extent of Tupac’s injuries, but the bleeding was so severe he couldn’t immediately determine where the bullets had struck. He knew time was of the essence, and his priority became obtaining a statement that could identify the shooter.

A Question Left Unanswered

Tupac
Image Credits: Flickr

Carroll leaned over the injured rapper, urging him to name his attacker. “I go, ‘Who shot you? Who did this?’” Carroll recalled. Initially, Tupac appeared to be struggling for breath, and Carroll believed he might answer. “He’s looking at me, and I thought, ‘He’s actually going to tell me.’”

But when Tupac finally spoke, it wasn’t the revelation Carroll expected. The rapper’s last words were blunt and defiant: “F**k you.” Carroll described the moment as surreal, noting, “That would be his last words that he ever said.”

Tupac’s Final Hours

Following the shooting, Tupac was rushed to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. He spent six days in critical condition, undergoing multiple surgeries in an attempt to save his life. However, his injuries proved too severe. On September 13, 1996, his mother, Afeni Shakur, made the devastating decision to remove him from life support.

The loss of Tupac at the age of 25 sent shockwaves through the music industry and his global fanbase. His death left a void that has yet to be filled, with his artistry and message continuing to inspire generations.

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The Long Road to Justice

In the years following Tupac’s death, speculation and conspiracy theories swirled about who was responsible for the murder. It wasn’t until 2023 that Duane “Keffe D” Davis was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the case. Davis, who has pleaded not guilty, was reportedly linked to the crime through witness testimony and his own public admissions in interviews.

E.D.I Mean’s Perspective

During Davis’s trial in October 2023, fellow rapper and close friend E.D.I Mean, who was part of Tupac’s entourage that night, recounted his own interaction with Shakur after the shooting. “I went to the car to see what had happened, and Tupac told me, ‘Get on the ground, they’re going to shoot you.’”

E.D.I Mean’s testimony painted a picture of Tupac’s enduring concern for those around him, even in his final moments. It added a poignant layer to the tragic narrative of his death.

Awaiting Answers

Davis’s trial has been delayed until March 17, 2025, leaving fans and family members to wait even longer for closure. For many, the wheels of justice are turning too slowly, but the recent developments have reignited hope that accountability may finally be achieved.

Tupac’s Legacy Lives On

Though his life was cut tragically short, Tupac Shakur’s impact on music, culture, and activism endures. From his thought-provoking lyrics to his fearless personality, Tupac remains a symbol of resilience and artistic integrity.

As Chris Carroll’s chilling recollection of Tupac’s final words illustrates, even in the face of death, the rapper’s defiance and strength shone through. For millions of fans around the world, that legacy will never fade.

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