Charlotte, NC, August 11, 2025
News Summary
Memphis comedian Mario Bradley, known as Grove Hero, was shot in the spine while on his ‘For My People’ tour in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite the severity of his injury, he remains determined to continue his performances and serve his community. Local residents praised his contributions to community projects in Frayser. The Charlotte police are investigating the shooting, which raises concerns about safety in the area.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Memphis comedian Mario Bradley, who goes by the stage name “Grove Hero,” was shot in the spine on Saturday night during his “For My People” tour. The shooting occurred just after 9 p.m. near a Boost Mobile store located at the intersection of Freedom Drive and Tuckaseegee Road off Interstate 85.
Bradley had been on tour in North Carolina since Thursday prior to the incident. Following the shooting, he took to social media to reveal that he was injured in the spine and had been informed by a doctor that he would not be able to walk again. Despite his serious injury, Grove Hero reaffirmed his commitment to his performances, stating he planned to attend a scheduled event on Sunday at the same location where he was shot. He expressed that he remains determined to continue his mission and help his community.
Local residents have commended Bradley for his efforts in the Frayser neighborhood, where he has dedicated time to various community projects, including building a playground and a basketball court. By engaging in local initiatives, he has made significant contributions to the improvement of his community.
Grove Hero is scheduled to continue his tour with an upcoming performance in Gaffney, South Carolina, on August 10. He is affiliated with Paper Route Empire, a record label founded by the late rapper Young Dolph. This incident marks a troubling trend as it is not the first shooting involving a Paper Route Empire member in Charlotte; Young Dolph’s vehicle was shot at in 2017 while he was inside.
Charlotte police are currently investigating the shooting, but as of now, no information regarding potential motives or suspects has been released. The shooting has raised concerns about safety in the area, especially considering its proximity to a popular shopping center.
Grove Hero’s resilience and commitment to performing despite his recent injury have inspired many, highlighting the strength of the human spirit amid adversity. His determination to continue serving his community and entertaining his fans speaks volumes about his character and dedication.
Background
The “For My People” tour is an initiative aimed at celebrating and uplifting the local communities through comedy and engagement. Grove Hero, a staple in the Memphis comedy scene, has been recognized for his unique voice that resonates with audiences. His work has led to him being a figure of hope and motivation for many in Frayser and beyond.
Shooting Details
The shooting incident that left Grove Hero incapacitated has yet to be fully understood, with the Charlotte police actively searching for more information. Community members have expressed their shock at the violence, particularly aimed at someone who has contributed positively to their lives.
Key Points
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Near a Boost Mobile store on Freedom Drive in Charlotte, NC |
| Time of Shooting | Just after 9 p.m. on Saturday |
| Injury | Shot in the spine; may not walk again |
| Upcoming Performance | Scheduled in Gaffney, SC on August 10 |
| Community Contributions | Worked on a playground and basketball court in Frayser |
| Police Investigation | Investigation ongoing; no arrests made to date |
FAQ
What happened to Grove Hero?
Grove Hero was shot in the spine near a Boost Mobile store in Charlotte, North Carolina, while on his comedy tour.
When did the shooting occur?
The incident took place just after 9 p.m. on Saturday.
Will Grove Hero continue his tour?
Yes, he has stated he will continue his tour and perform in Gaffney, South Carolina, on August 10.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Shooting Incident Leaves Rapper Mario Bradley Hospitalized in Charlotte
Additional Resources
- Action News 5
- Wikipedia: Grove Hero
- Fox 13 Memphis
- Google Search: Grove Hero shooting
- QC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grove Hero
- WCNC
- Google News: Grove Hero
- Prime Timer

Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.


