Multiple supporters of rap artist Lil Durk have issued threatening messages aimed at a federal judge and prosecutor involved in the high-profile murder-for-hire case against him, according to federal officials who disclosed the development on Tuesday. The menacing threats have prompted authorities to contemplate implementing additional security measures during upcoming legal proceedings, raising concerns about the safety of court personnel.
Federal officials report threats against court personnel from Lil Durk supporters, prompting security concerns in the rapper’s murder-for-hire case.
The threats emerge amid a complex case in which Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks, faces federal charges for allegedly orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo in August 2022. The incident resulted in Rondo being wounded and the death of his cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson.
Prosecutors claim Durk coordinated transportation, weapons, and disguises for associates who traveled from Chicago to Los Angeles to execute the attack. The attack appears to be motivated by revenge for King Von’s death in 2020, which allegedly sparked Durk’s retaliation plans.
Compounding the case’s complications, prosecutors have accused Lil Durk of witness tampering while in custody. Officials discovered the rapper had concealed an Apple Watch, raising suspicions about covert communications to influence witnesses. When discovered, Durk allegedly attempted to destroy the device, further fueling prosecutors’ concerns about potential obstruction of justice. A critical hearing on November 18 will address these concerns alongside the defense’s motion to dismiss the case.
The case has generated significant national media attention, particularly due to its connection to ongoing tensions in the Chicago rap scene. The legal proceedings could significantly impact Durk’s career and interrupt his music licensing income, which many artists rely on as a substantial revenue source. The legal battle could potentially impact Lil Durk’s royalty collection through performance rights organizations that manage music creators’ compensation for public performances. Prosecutors have requested an anonymous jury, citing both the threats against court officials and potential bias influenced by Durk’s substantial fan base.
Defense attorneys have challenged the indictment as excessively vague, arguing it fails to provide specific details about when, where, and how Durk allegedly instructed co-conspirators. They’ve petitioned to dismiss the case, claiming prosecutors have withheld key evidence necessary for mounting an effective defense.
The trial date has been set for January 2026, with preliminary hearings scheduled to address the defense’s motions and security concerns. The prosecution maintains that revenge motives linked to the 2020 killing of Durk’s associate King Von underpin the alleged murder plot.
