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WAS GAGA TARGETED?
INVESTIGATORS are probing whether the kidnapping of Lady Gaga's bulldogs was politically motivated because she sang at President Joe Biden's inauguration.
FBI officials specialized in kidnapping and ransom cases are working with Los Angeles Police Department detectives, The Sun learned on Thursday.
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"Lady Gaga is high profile of course but she sang at President Biden's inauguration which takes this case to another level," one source said.
"The FBI wants to know exactly what motivated this incident."
An FBI spokesperson told The Sun: "While the Bureau provides resources if/where requested to our local partners, I would refer you to LAPD for comment as they are leading this investigation."
The Sun has reached out to LAPD for comment.
While the FBI is involved, investigators are working on the likely assumption the attack was a straightforward armed robbery.
French bulldogs are on average sold for just over $2,000 - however some breeds can go up to $10,000.
Another theory is that the dogs may have been been stolen for ransom - as the star offered a $500,000 reward after the Wednesday night shooting.
The latest Lady Gaga update comes as:
- It emerged that an unknown woman 'screamed' as Gaga's dog walker was shot
- The star offered $500,000 reward for the return of her dogs
- Footage emerged showing her dog walker bleeding after the shooting
- Everything we need to know about Ryan Fischer is revealed
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Ryan Fischer, 30, was caring for the superstar's pooches, Koji, Miss Asia and Gustavo, when the armed thieves struck just after 10pm on Wednesday.
He was shot outside of his West Hollywood home on Sierra Bonita.
Both Koji and Gustavo were stolen, but Miss Asia got away and was later recovered by cops.
Pictures show that Miss Asia was then picked up by one of Gaga's bodyguards.
Neighbor Buck Angel, who called 911 to report the incident, told The Sun that "where the attack happened can't just be down to chance."
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Angel claimed that the area where the incident took place has "no witnesses that live there" and has "been empty for five years."
"They had to have chosen that spot to carry out the attack, and those dogs were targeted for ransom, it had to be.
"They must have wanted to blackmail Lady Gaga for money."
He added that "everyone" walks dogs in the area at the time the incident took place, adding "it wouldn't have been hard to figure out her dog walker's routine."
"And there have not been any dogs stolen here, even though that has been happening in other parts of LA."
Gaga has offered $500,000 for the return of her beloved pets, "no questions asked," according to TMZ.
The outlet reported that anyone who has the dogs should email KojiandGustav@gmail.com to claim the reward.
When cops got to the scene, they reportedly found the dog-walker conscious but barely breathing, and was transported to hospital in "grave" condition, officials said.
Footage from the scene showed a man on the ground clinging to Miss Asia as he received on-scene treatment.
The man could be seen bleeding as he laid on his side on the ground.
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Another man is later seen removing the French bulldog from the victim's arms and comforting it.
The victim appeared to be alert and talking to officers, KABC said.
While Angel called 911, another neighbor administered CPR and saved the dog walker's life.
He said: "I heard a lot of screaming last night, it was going on too long.
"I looked out and saw a white sedan in front of the abandoned house, then different guys' voices screaming - I'm sure it was all men.
"I opened my gate and there was a gunshot, so I bolted back into the house and called 911.
"Then I heard a second gunshot and the sound of the car speeding off."
Angel added that he believed Fischer was dead following the alleged shooting.
"When they [police] arrived I came out and saw my neighbor from across the street giving aid to the man who was shot.
"He was compressing his chest, trying to stop the bleeding. He was saving his life.
"I actually thought he was dead. He was shot once, I believe, even though there were two gun shots.
"The injured guy told out neighbor as he was compressing the wound, 'those were Lady Gaga's dogs' so that's how we found out'."
The neighbor who administered first aid to Fischer told The Sun: "I'm glad [Ryan] is OK it was a horrible thing to happen."
Another neighbor said: "I see Ryan all the time. He's a lovely, friendly guy. It's terrible. He never boasts about working for Lady Gaga, he just says he 'works for someone important'."
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According to 911 dispatch audio, obtained by The Sun, there were numerous calls were made about the shooting.
The dispatcher reported that "one gunshot" was fired and that there were reports of "a female screaming."
Another call reiterated that there were "shots fired" at the location.
Just minutes later, a call confirmed that there was "one victim down."
Public Information Officer Jeff Lee from LAPD told The Sun: "We had a shooting that took place at 1500 block of N Sierra Bonita Avenue at 9:40pm.
"Male unknown suspect fired a gunshot. Victim was male white 30 years of age.
"Victim was transported to local hospital in unknown condition. No arrest made yet."
Cops described the suspects as two black males who were wearing baseball caps.
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Her dad, Joe Germanotta, shared a plea for the public's help in finding her daughter's dogs on Thursday.
"Our whole family is upset and praying Koji and Gustavo are not harmed," Germanotta told Fox News.
"Help us catch these creeps," he added.
"Horrible people in LA," Germanotta continued. "Shooting someone in order to steal dogs is wrong."
They reportedly fled the scene in a white BMW and, according to TMZ, are still on the loose and no arrests have yet been made.
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Law enforcement officials told the outlet that they are not sure whether or not Gaga's dogs were specifically the target.
Read More on The US Sun
Lady Gaga was spotted in Rome, Italy, on Tuesday.
It is unclear if she has yet returned from Italy, or if she has plans on doing so.
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Woman 'screamed' as Lady Gaga's dog walker was shot and pups stolen, frantic 911 caller claimed in disturbing audio