San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White is recovering after surgery following a shooting incident early Monday morning. The incident occurred at Dahlia’s, a San Francisco nightclub, where White was hosting a private party, according to reports.
The circumstances surrounding the shooting are still under investigation, but a witness interviewed by police indicated a verbal altercation with rapper Lil Baby preceded the gunfire. “Our officers are working diligently on this investigation,” San Francisco Police Department spokesman Evan Sernoffsky told The New York Times, “and we’re following multiple leads.” It remains unclear who discharged the firearm.
White addressed the incident in a statement posted to Instagram, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of support. “Thank you to everyone who has reached out with their prayers and concerns on my behalf,” he wrote. “I’ve undergone successful surgery.” He also struck a positive note, adding, “For those who know me, ya’ll know this won’t stop me from spreading peace and joy to the world. Full steam ahead. I’m in great spirits and ready to make the most of this off-season.”
The incident took place in the wake of Super Bowl LX, held at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, where the Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots. White was in attendance at the game, posting a photo from the stands on Monday morning before news of the shooting became public.
The police report, reviewed by the SF Standard, details that Lil Baby, whose given name is Dominique Jones, was in town for an appearance at a Super Bowl event at the Grand Nightclub. The witness account suggests that Jones’ entourage attempted to enter White’s private event at Dahlia’s, leading to the argument.
Representatives for Lil Baby have not yet responded to requests for comment, according to Rolling Stone. The lack of immediate comment adds to the uncertainty surrounding the events leading up to the shooting.
The shooting has prompted a response from San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who issued a statement on X. “Any violent incident in our city is unacceptable, and I’m hoping Keion recovers quickly,” Lurie wrote. “I’ve spoken with SFPD and 49ers leadership — we are all grateful to our SFPD officers for their quick response. As always, I will continue working with San Francisco law enforcement to ensure our neighborhoods and our residents are safe.”
White was acquired by the 49ers in a mid-season trade with the New England Patriots and is currently under contract with the team through the 2026 NFL season. The team has stated that there is no timetable for his recovery following the surgery. The incident raises questions about the security surrounding high-profile athletes and entertainers during large-scale events like the Super Bowl.
The shooting occurred on the 1700 block of Mission Street around 4 a.m. Monday, according to San Francisco police. The location is a busy entertainment district, and the incident has understandably raised concerns about safety in the area. ABC7 News reported that the shooting took place at a post-Super Bowl event.
While the investigation is ongoing, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence even amidst celebratory occasions. The focus now remains on White’s recovery and the efforts of the San Francisco Police Department to determine the circumstances surrounding the shooting and identify the perpetrator.
