Police in New York have reportedly stepped up security at a schoolyard in Queens ahead of a secret 50 Cent concert there, amid fears of violence.
The rapper is set to take the stage for a "surprise" performance in the New York City borough on Family Day, 30 August and the event is expected to draw about 10,000 local residents to the Jamaica neighbourhood, where 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, grew up and was nearly fatally shot in 2000.
But the planned appearance has sparked concerns from local authorities, who have recruited an "army of cops" to shut down the area, fearing violence will break out if a shooter takes aim at Jackson, reports the New York Post.
The publication alleges "hundreds" of cops - including officers from special gang units - will be present.
Community Board 12 manager Yvonne Reddick says, "The concern is the (lack of) manpower. That's a lot of people. The park is surrounded by a residential community."
One law-enforcement source tells the newspaper, "We can't control the area. (It's) an outdoor event - people could walk in from anywhere."
Another insider adds, "Someone's gonna try to make a name for themselves. They're gonna take a shot at him and they're either gonna hit him or they're gonna miss him and hit some poor, innocent kid or grandmother."
Jackson's publicist Keesha Johnson has confirmed he will make an appearance, but organisers remain adamant he will not perform.
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