Toronto police reported that a security guard was shot outside the residence of Canadian rapper Drake overnight.
According to the police, individuals in a vehicle opened fire on the guard near the Park Lane Circle mansion around 02:00 EDT (06:00 GMT) on Tuesday, then fled the area.
It is not known whether Drake was present at his home during the incident or if he was the intended target of the shooting.
Currently, Drake is involved in a verbal dispute with American rapper Kendrick Lamar.
However, the police have stated that it is too early in their investigation to discuss any potential motives.
“We are in contact with [Drake’s] team and they are cooperating,” Inspector Paul Krawczyk of the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force told reporters on Tuesday morning.
He said police are currently assessing video that captures the shooting but is not releasing information about it due to video quality issues.
The victim is currently in the hospital in serious condition, according to police.
Witnesses informed Canadian media that he had suffered multiple gunshot wounds, including one to the chest.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow informed reporters that she had been briefed by the police on the shooting but chose not to disclose any details.
“Any shooting is not welcome in this city and I hope the police will find the people that are violating the law and catch them,” she said.
The lyrical beef between Drake and Lamar has grown bitterly personal, with a flurry of “diss tracks” exchanged between two of hip-hop’s biggest stars over the weekend.
The Canadian’s house, in the ritzy Bridle Path neighbourhood of Toronto, is the subject of cover art for Lamar’s latest song Not Like Us, which is currently topping US and global music charts.
In the song, Lamar levels accusations against Drake, alleging that he has engaged in relationships with underage women and is concealing a secret love child, with imagery suggesting that he is harboring multiple sex offenders in his home.
In response, Drake’s track “The Heart Part 6” refutes these claims and expresses his disgust over the allegations.
Drake has frequently mentioned his residence, which he calls “The Embassy,” in his music and on social media. He notes that the gates of his home are twice as tall as city regulations allow due to his security requirements.
Photos circulating online depict the property sealed off with caution tape as police continue their investigation into the shooting.
The BBC has contacted representatives for both artists for further comments.