In a startling incident that unfolded on Sunday afternoon, a 35-year-old woman was taken into custody following a shooting near the Beverly Hills residence of internationally acclaimed pop star Rihanna. Law enforcement officials responded promptly to reports of gunfire around 1:15 pm local time (21:15 GMT), arriving at the scene to find evidence of a serious threat but, fortunately, no casualties.
The suspect, identified as Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, is currently held on suspicion of attempted murder, with bail set at a staggering $10.2 million (£7.6 million). Authorities discovered that Ortiz was armed with an AR-15 assault rifle and allegedly fired shots from a vehicle directed at the singer’s mansion. Despite the alarming nature of the attack, Rihanna was inside her home at the time, and sources confirm she was unharmed.
Further investigation revealed that the suspect’s white Tesla was located approximately eight miles (12 kilometers) away from the scene at the Sherman Oaks Galleria shopping center. It was there that Ortiz was apprehended by police. Reports also indicate that she hails from Orlando, Florida, adding a layer of complexity to the case as investigators work to determine her motives and any possible connections to the celebrity or her circle.
At the crime scene, officers found casings from an assault rifle, corroborating the use of a high-powered weapon during the incident. This detail was confirmed by a police official during an interview with a major US news outlet. The motive behind the shooting remains unclear, and authorities continue to probe the circumstances leading up to the event.
This unsettling episode comes amid a year already filled with significant developments in Rihanna’s personal life. Last September, she welcomed her third child, a daughter named Rocki, with her partner A$AP Rocky. The couple, who also share two sons, Riot and RZA, publicly announced Rihanna’s pregnancy at the 2024 Met Gala, drawing widespread media attention.
Earlier this year, in February, A$AP Rocky was acquitted in a high-profile trial involving allegations of gunfire directed at a former acquaintance. Rihanna notably attended the court proceedings with their two sons, underscoring the family’s resilience amid public scrutiny. The Barbados-born singer, whose full name is Robyn Rihanna Fenty, first rose to global fame in the early 2000s with chart-topping hits such as “Pon de Replay” and “Umbrella.”
Over the past two decades, Rihanna has not only solidified her status as a nine-time Grammy Award winner but also expanded her influence beyond music. She has successfully launched several business ventures, including the groundbreaking cosmetics brand Fenty Beauty and a popular lingerie line. Forbes estimates her net worth to exceed one billion dollars, reflecting her multifaceted career and entrepreneurial acumen.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, fans and the public alike remain hopeful for Rihanna’s safety and await further updates from law enforcement. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities even the most high-profile figures face, despite their fame and security measures.
