Philadelphia rapper Skrilla (real name Jemille Edwards) was arrested late Saturday, August 16, 2025, during a music video shoot in the Kensington neighborhood after an unexpected run-in with local police involving a toy gel pellet gun.
According to authorities, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on the 800 block of East Allegheny Avenue, where Skrilla was filming with a large crowd in attendance. Philadelphia police, present to manage traffic and crowd safety, say Skrilla fired a gel blaster—commonly used to shoot water-based pellets—at an officer, striking them in the face, neck, and chest. While no injuries were reported, the law treats gel blasters like imitation firearms, prohibiting their use or public display on city streets.
Video captured by bystanders and local YouTubers shows Skrilla remaining calm and cooperative as officers detained him. Police recovered the toy gun at the scene. During the confrontation, officers could be heard giving repeated instructions:
“What the fuck is this? What the fuck is this? You look crazy. Yo, come on. Hey, yo! Hey, yo! Yo! Get on the sidewalk. You can record all you want, get on the sidewalk. Get on the sidewalk.”
Authorities said Skrilla was detained without incident. Bystander videos circulating on YouTube and social media show the rapper cooperating calmly with officers as he was taken into custody.
Skrilla was charged with assaulting a police officer and related offenses. He was released from custody by Sunday evening, though details about bail and upcoming court appearances have not been disclosed.
The arrest quickly gained traction online, with clips of the incident widely shared across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. Eyewitnesses stressed that the gun was a toy, while some commentators questioned whether Philadelphia’s strict ordinances on imitation firearms unfairly impact artists filming creative projects. Others defended police actions, citing officer safety concerns.
Popular Philadelphia content creator The Philly Captain captured the incident live, showing both the shooting and the arrest, adding to the widespread public attention.
The 29-year-old rapper is a well-known voice in Philadelphia’s underground scene, recognized for tracks like “Kensington” and his 2023 album Zombie Love Kensington Paradise. He has recently collaborated with national artists and announced a U.S./Canada tour scheduled for later this year.
Skrilla’s music frequently references the struggles and resilience of Kensington, a neighborhood long affected by poverty and the opioid crisis. His arrest comes when his visibility is growing, both musically and socially.
Now, instead of rehearsals, the rapper’s immediate focus will likely be on his legal battle — one that could set the tone for how Philly enforces its imitation firearm laws moving forward.
