San Francisco 49ers defensive end Keion White was shot in the leg following an argument with Grammy-winning rapper Lil Baby at an after-hours nightclub party on Monday, February 9, 2026. The incident occurred just hours after the city hosted Super Bowl LX, casting a shadow over post-game celebrations. White is recovering from successful surgery, while police search for the unknown shooter.
What Sparked the Argument Between Keion White and Lil Baby
The trouble started at Dahlia’s, a bar and nightclub on Mission Street in San Francisco. Keion White was hosting a private party in the club’s downstairs area. Meanwhile, on the main floor, rapper Lil Baby, whose real name is Dominique Jones, was present at a separate event. He had performed in San Francisco earlier that Sunday night.
According to a police report and witness accounts, members of Lil Baby’s entourage tried to enter White’s private party downstairs. This attempt led to a direct verbal confrontation between the NFL player and the rapper. A witness told police the argument escalated, prompting him to go upstairs to seek help from club management to calm the situation.
The Moment Gunfire Erupted at the Nightclub
While the witness was away from the downstairs area seeking help, the situation turned violent. The witness reported hearing two gunshots. Upon rushing back downstairs, he found that Keion White had been shot in the left leg. Other attendees reported hearing as many as four shots. The San Francisco Police Department received calls about the shooting at approximately 4:06 a.m. on Monday morning.
Police arriving at the scene described a chaotic environment. Officers noted that topless women, who appeared to be adult entertainers, were picking up dollar bills strewn across the floor as partygoers continued to leave. Investigators collected key evidence, including a 9mm shell casing and a .45-caliber shell casing, indicating at least two different firearms may have been discharged. They also retrieved surveillance footage and an abandoned cellphone.
Keion White’s Condition and Lack of Cooperation with Police
Keion White was treated at the scene before being transported to a local hospital. The 49ers confirmed he sustained a gunshot wound to his ankle and underwent successful surgery on Monday afternoon. The team stated the injuries are not considered life-threatening or career-threatening, and they expect a full recovery.
A significant challenge for police has been White’s reported lack of cooperation. When officers asked the injured player who had shot him, White was uncooperative and did not provide the shooter’s identity. This has left investigators without a named suspect as they work to piece together events from witness statements and physical evidence.
Official Statements and the Ongoing Investigation
The San Francisco Police Department’s statement described the incident as starting with a “verbal altercation between two groups inside a business”. They have classified the shooter as an “unknown suspect” and confirm the investigation remains open with no arrests made.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie commented on the shooting on social media platform X, writing, “Any violent incident in our city is unacceptable, and I’m hoping Keion recovers quickly”. He added that he had spoken with police and 49ers leadership and was grateful for the officers’ quick response.
Representatives for Lil Baby have not responded to requests for comment on the incident or his reported involvement in the initial argument. The rapper was seen attending Super Bowl LX with his son before the nightclub events unfolded.
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A Troubling Pattern for the San Francisco 49ers
This is not the first time a 49ers player has been a victim of gun violence in recent years. In September 2024, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery in San Francisco’s Union Square. Pearsall remarkably recovered and made his NFL debut less than two months later. The recurrence of such incidents has raised concerns about player safety during off-field hours in the city.
Keion White, 27, was traded to the 49ers from the New England Patriots during the 2025 season and is under contract with the team through the 2026 NFL season. His recovery timeline will be closely watched as the team prepares for offseason activities.
The investigation continues as police review surveillance footage and forensic evidence. With the victim uncooperative and no suspect named, authorities are relying on other witnesses and the recovered evidence to solve the case.
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