LAPD Reveals Weapon Attacker Allegedly Had When He Confronted Dave Chappelle On Stage
The Los Angeles Police Department has released images of the savage weapon that was being held by the man who attacked Dave Chappelle at a star-studded live Netflix show.
The comedian was performing at the Hollywood Bowl in LA as a part of the Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival.
He was allegedly attacked by 23-year-old Isaiah Lee in front of a shocked audience, which included some of the world's biggest celebrities.
The LAPD alleges Lee had a bayonet blade affixed to the barrel of a handgun in his possession when he rushed onto the stage.
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It remains unclear how Lee managed to sneak the dangerous weapon into the event.
Chappelle was uninjured in the attack, but Lee was tackled by security guards.
Lee is now being held in LA County Sheriff's custody on a single felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon.
His bail has been set at $30,000 ($AUD 41,459, £23,898).
The 23-year-old's motive for the attack is currently unclear, however his brother Aaron Lee did reveal some factors that may have played a role in the incident.
Aaron told Rolling Stone his sibling had a 'connection' to the transgender community.
"He went to a lot of different organisations out there that help transgender people," Aaron Lee said.
"Yeah, it could have definitely been a factor, but I really don't know."
Dave Chappelle came under significant criticism last year for his recent special that took aim at the trans community.
Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage
— Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022
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Aaron Lee also said his brother struggles with mental health issues, adding: "Maybe he missed out on taking his prescription."
Chappelle has not yet publicly commented on the attack, but he joked his attacker was a 'trans man' after Lee was taken off the stage.
The incident occurred as the 48-year-old comedian was closing the show and thanking his fellow performers, including Chris Rock, who had performed before him.
According to onlookers, Rock joined Chappelle on stage after security took the man away, grabbed the microphone and said to the crowd: "Was that Will Smith?"
Rock was, of course, referring to the moment where he was slapped by actor Will Smith, who rushed the stage at the 2022 Academy Awards to attack Rock over a joke about his wife, Jada Pinkett-Smith.
Rachel Lang