A vicious prison attack left Tory Lanez fighting for his life, but the rapper is showing remarkable resilience. On May 12, 2025, Lanez, whose real name is Daystar Peterson, was stabbed 14 times by another inmate at the California Correctional Institution in Tehachapi, California. The brutal assault, which occurred at 7:20 a.m., targeted his back, torso, head, and face, causing both of his lungs to collapse. Now, as he recovers in a hospital, Lanez is breathing on his own and speaking out about his survival.
The attack was sudden and severe. Lanez suffered seven stab wounds to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head, and one to the left side of his face. Prison staff quickly intervened, providing immediate medical aid and calling 911. He was rushed by ambulance to a hospital in Bakersfield, with some reports suggesting he was later airlifted to Kern Medical Hospital for specialized care. The injuries were so critical that Lanez required a breathing apparatus to stabilize his condition after his lungs collapsed, a life-threatening condition known as pneumothorax.
Despite the trauma, Lanez is making a strong recovery. By the evening of May 12, he was off the breathing apparatus and breathing independently. His team shared an update on his verified Instagram account, stating that he is in pain but talking normally and in high spirits. Lanez expressed deep gratitude for surviving the attack, thanking God and his supporters for their prayers. Jose Baez’s attorney echoed this optimism, describing Lanez as “upbeat” and a “strong young man” who is expected to recover fully.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear. Authorities from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation confirmed the incident and said it is under investigation by the prison’s investigative services unit and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office. The weapon, described as a makeshift prison shank, highlights the dangers of violence within correctional facilities. While social media has circulated unverified claims about the attacker’s identity and the location of the incident, no official details have been released, and these rumors remain unconfirmed.
Lanez, a 32-year-old Canadian rapper, is currently serving a 10-year sentence for the 2020 shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Convicted in December 2022 on charges of assault with a semi-automatic firearm, carrying an unregistered firearm, and discharging a firearm with gross negligence, he has been incarcerated since August 2023. Despite his legal challenges, Lanez has remained active with fans, recently sharing photos of his physique and teasing new music. The attack has sparked an outpouring of support, with “FreeTory” trending on social media as fans rally behind him.
