In a shocking and deeply troubling turn of events, Grammy-winning rapper Cardi B, 32, was violently att@cked Thursday morning while en route to an important court hearing in New York City, according to multiple law enforcement sources and statements from her family. The sudden incident has left the music industry, fans, and fellow celebrities in disbelief, with Cardi B now reported to be in “critical condition.”

Authorities confirmed that the incident occurred shortly after 8:00 a.m. as Cardi B — born Belcalis Marlenis Almánzar — was traveling in a private SUV toward the Manhattan Criminal Court, where she was expected to testify in an ongoing legal matter involving a high-profile defamation case.

Eyewitnesses Describe a Chaotic Scene

According to witnesses at the scene, the SUV carrying Cardi B was forced to a sudden stop near a busy intersection when at least two unidentified individuals on motorbikes blocked the vehicle’s path. Within moments, chaos erupted.

“I saw people screaming, cars honking — it all happened so fast,” said Marlon Greene, a local delivery driver who was nearby. “Someone opened the back door and started hitting somebody inside the car. It was wild, like something out of a movie. Then they sped off before anyone could even react.”

Law enforcement officials say they are reviewing nearby surveillance footage to identify the suspects, but as of Thursday afternoon, no arrests had been made.

Family Confirms Critical Condition

Hours after the incident, Cardi B’s family released a brief but emotional statement confirming her condition:

“We can confirm that Belcalis sustained serious injuries this morning following an unprovoked att@ck. She is currently in critical but stable condition under the care of some of the best doctors in New York. We ask for privacy, prayers, and patience as we focus on her recovery.”

The statement, shared across Cardi B’s official social media accounts, has since garnered millions of comments and shares, with fans expressing shock, anger, and heartfelt prayers.

Court Hearing Postponed Amid Heavy Security

The court hearing, which had been scheduled for 9:30 a.m., was immediately postponed. Security around the Manhattan courthouse was visibly heightened, with police deploying additional officers and restricting traffic in nearby areas.

Legal analysts note that the hearing was expected to draw significant public and media attention, as Cardi B was reportedly preparing to deliver key testimony that could influence the outcome of a high-stakes civil trial involving allegations of slander and threats made against her family months earlier.

“It’s impossible to ignore the timing,” said criminal attorney Lisa D’Amato, who is not directly involved in the case but has been following it closely. “Whether this was random or targeted, the proximity to a court appearance where Cardi was expected to speak raises serious questions.”

An Outpouring of Support

As news of the att@ck spread, celebrities, politicians, and fans alike took to social media to express solidarity with the Bronx-born star.

“Praying hard for my sis Cardi B right now,” wrote fellow rapper Offset, Cardi B’s husband, on Instagram. “We’re standing strong as a family — thank you to everyone reaching out.”

Pop star Lizzo tweeted: “This is heartbreaking. Cardi is one of the most genuine souls I’ve met in this business. Please keep her in your thoughts.”

New York Mayor Eric Adams also weighed in during a press briefing, calling the att@ck “completely unacceptable” and vowing to bring those responsible to justice.

“Nobody — celebrity or otherwise — should have to fear for their safety on our streets,” Adams said. “We are dedicating every available resource to this investigation.”

Police Investigation Underway

The NYPD confirmed that its Major Crimes Unit is now leading the investigation. Detectives are reviewing security footage, interviewing witnesses, and tracing the motorbikes used in the escape, which were abandoned several blocks away.

“We are treating this case with the utmost urgency,” said NYPD spokesperson Det. Angela Ruiz. “Given the victim’s public profile and the circumstances, we are exploring every possible angle, including whether this was a targeted att@ck linked to any ongoing legal matters.”

Authorities have also urged anyone with information to contact the department’s tip line immediately.

Looking Ahead

As of late Thursday, Cardi B remains hospitalized at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, where doctors reportedly performed emergency surgery to address internal injuries. Sources close to the family say that while the next 48 hours will be “critical,” there is cautious optimism that she will recover with time and proper care.

For now, the focus remains on her healing, the safety of her loved ones, and the unanswered question of who carried out such a brazen and violent attack — and why