San Francisco 49ers defensive lineman Keion White was shot in the ankle outside a Mission District nightclub early Monday, hours after the Super Bowl ended nearby, police and the team said. Investigators said they were still trying to identify the person who fired the shots.
The shooting punctured what had been a high profile weekend in the Bay Area, where fans packed events tied to the championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. The 49ers said White’s injury was not life threatening and that he underwent surgery, but the team did not provide a timetable for his return. San Francisco police released few details about the shooter or what led to the gunfire, saying only that an argument broke out and a suspect fled before officers arrived.
Officers responded just after 4 a.m. Monday to a report of a shooting on the 1700 block of Mission Street, police said. They found a victim with an apparent gunshot wound and gave aid until paramedics arrived, then the victim was taken to a local hospital. The 49ers later confirmed the injured man was White and said he suffered a bullet wound to his ankle. In a team statement, the club said White was “a victim of a shooting” and that the organization would share further updates when appropriate, while focusing on his recovery and the investigation.
Police said their preliminary investigation indicates a verbal altercation between two groups inside a business shortly before shots were fired. Investigators have not said what started the argument, how many shots were fired, or whether the shooter was tied to either group. Officials also have not said whether anyone else was injured. As of late Tuesday, police had not announced an arrest, released a suspect description, or detailed what physical evidence had been collected at the scene. The department said the case remained under investigation and cautioned that early information could change as detectives interview witnesses and sort out competing accounts.
Several published reports connected the shooting to a private event at Dahlia’s, a bar and nightclub at 1799 Mission St., where White was said to be hosting a party tied to Super Bowl weekend. Those accounts said rapper Lil Baby, whose given name is Dominique Jones, was present and that an argument involving people in his entourage unfolded as they tried to enter the private gathering. Police have not publicly confirmed the rapper’s role, if any, and no one has been charged. One witness account described hearing gunfire during a confrontation and then seeing White injured, but investigators have not said whether they consider that account verified or complete.
The shooting happened in the Mission District, a dense neighborhood known for restaurants, bars, and late night foot traffic, where crowds can spill onto sidewalks as venues close. The timing also placed the incident at the end of a weekend that brought large crowds into San Francisco and surrounding cities for Super Bowl events, watch parties, and after-parties. The championship game ended Sunday night in Santa Clara, and celebrations continued into Monday morning across the city. Police have not said whether the gunfire occurred inside the business, at the doorway, or outside on the sidewalk or street, and they have not said how the shooter left the area.
White, 27, joined the 49ers during the 2025 season after a trade from the New England Patriots and finished his third NFL season this winter. The team did not release details about his medical treatment beyond saying the wound was not life threatening and that surgery was performed. Reports published later said the procedure was successful and that White shared an upbeat message from the hospital, though the 49ers have not issued a detailed medical update. In the NFL, ankle injuries can vary widely in severity depending on bone, tendon, and ligament damage, and teams often wait for swelling to subside before offering a clearer recovery schedule.
The incident also renewed attention on player security during marquee weekends, when athletes can be visible in public settings and private events draw large crowds. The NFL and host region agencies typically coordinate on safety planning during major events, but authorities have not said what security arrangements were in place at the party White attended or who controlled entry to the gathering. Police have not said whether off-duty security personnel were present, whether private guards were hired, or whether surveillance video from nearby businesses captured the moments before and after the shots were fired.
The shooting was also notable because it was the second time in about 18 months that a 49ers player was shot in San Francisco. In August 2024, wide receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot in the chest during an attempted robbery near Union Square, then returned to play less than two months later. In that case, authorities said a teenager was arrested and the prosecution proceeded in juvenile court. The Pearsall incident prompted public debate about street crime and safety in tourist areas, and it remained a point of reference as news spread Monday that another player had been wounded in the city, this time amid a late night dispute tied to a crowded weekend.
In White’s case, detectives are still working to pin down a clear timeline and identify key participants in the argument that police said preceded the shooting. Investigators may seek to collect video from fixed security cameras, business systems, and phones, as well as physical evidence such as shell casings that can help determine where the shooter stood and how many rounds were fired. Police have not said whether a weapon has been recovered. Authorities have also not said whether White has been able to assist investigators in identifying the shooter or whether he recognized anyone involved in the dispute.
San Francisco police said the case is being handled by specialized investigators, and officials said they are continuing to interview witnesses and review leads. Without an arrest, detectives could still be pursuing search warrants for digital records, including phone data and video systems tied to the location and the people present. Investigators also may examine whether the shooter traveled with one of the groups involved or acted independently after the argument. Police have not said whether they believe the shooting was targeted or the result of gunfire in a chaotic confrontation, and they have not described a motive.
Outside the club corridor, the episode landed as a familiar sort of disruption after a major event, according to residents and nearby business owners who described late night surges after big weekends. Some said crowds thin quickly in the early morning hours and tensions can flare as people compete for rides and leave venues at the same time. Others pointed to the number of cameras on storefronts and corners along busy streets, saying they expected detectives to move quickly to track a suspect’s route. No public briefings were announced Tuesday that would clarify whether investigators have located usable video or identified the groups involved.
The 49ers kept their public remarks focused on White’s condition and the ongoing investigation, declining to discuss details about the venue or reports about entertainers and guests. The NFL community also reacted with messages of support and concern as the offseason began, with the shooting adding uncertainty to a stretch when teams evaluate rosters and players typically begin recovery programs. For the 49ers, the injury and the investigation came at a sensitive moment, with the club turning the page from the season and mapping out offseason workouts, medical rehab plans, and personnel decisions.
As of Tuesday night, police said no arrests had been made and the suspect remained unknown. Investigators are expected to provide the next significant update when they confirm a suspect, announce an arrest, or release information about evidence recovered from the Mission Street scene.
Author note: Last updated February 11, 2026.