Beverly Hills Police Arrest Gunman Near Clive Davis' Grammy Party Venue

This year's preparations for Clive Davis' highly-anticipated Grammy party almost hit an unexpected hiccup thanks to an armed shooter.

The drama went down at Waldorf Astoria, a luxury hotel next to the famed Beverly Hilton Hotel — where Davis' event will be held. Authorities swarmed the area following a "keep the peace" call about a male guest who had fired shots within his hotel room.

A statement from the Beverly Hills Police Department, obtained by The Blast, described the shocking incident on Thursday. At approximately 9:39 a.m., officers responded to Waldorf Astoria following a welfare check request from the hotel's security.

They explained that a male guest might be armed and dangerous, noting he raised red flags after security had knocked on his door and heard someone yell: "I'm going to shoot through the door!" The BHPD responded to the threat by using a drone to observe the suspect, who was spotted holding a firearm on the hotel's balcony.

His concerning behavior caused additional BHPD officials to swarm the scene, including Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel, Crisis Negotiation (CNT) personnel, detectives, and mutual aid resources. While these officials shut down the area, The BHPD Real Time Watch Center constantly monitored the suspect's movements.

Soon, Waldorf Astoria Hotel became a scene out of a movie with crisis negotiators on site to communicate with the suspect and ensure that no one was harmed. Fortunately, the negotiations went smoothly as the man exited his room unarmed and without resistance.

The BHPD stated there were no reports of any injuries; however, the preliminary investigation conducted by detectives determined the suspect had fired several rounds within his hotel room.

The man, identified as Joseph Leonardi, a 41-year-old from Woodland Hills, California, was taken into custody and booked on the following charges: "Felon in possession of a firearm" and "Negligent discharge of a firearm." Investigators also revealed this was not his first arrest, as he was a convicted felon.

Before the shocking shooter incident at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Davis opened up about his upcoming pre-Grammy party and what fans could expect. The iconic record producer has been throwing an unforgettable gala the night before the Grammys since 1976.

Davis' party is famous for its surprise performances and star-studded guest list, with this year's event being no exception. The Grammy-winning producer revealed that the guest "demand is the greatest it's ever been," which meant a few celebrities won't be making the list.

When asked, "How difficult is it to turn down guests?" the 91-year-old confessed that it was challenging to accommodate everyone, including the newer figures in the entertainment industry. In his words:

"It is difficult because in order to arrange, in order to accommodate some of the newer major players that have got to be there in the world of streaming and social media and film and entertainment, you obviously have to do some cuts."

"So whether it's passing the baton or asking that the person come without a plus one, we've had to. [The] audience's finite number is 950 because of all of our production facilities. And you know, it is painful to do that, but we have to," Davis explained.

However, fans can expect to see the most famous entertainers at the Pre-Grammy party because the music executive does not exclude significant players. When asked to reveal the most famous person he has turned down, Davis admitted he had never done that.

"I really could not politely respond to that. … [And] not so much famous people that are turned down, [but] there are people that have had a major career who might have been allowed to bring their wives and to say, 'Look, we never would turn you down, but you can't have a plus one,'" he said.

In his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Davis confirmed that Beyonce and Jay-Z will be at the party on Saturday, February 3. He also noted this year's performances will feature a mixture of "great all-time performers and great new performers."

As for the other public figures attending the upcoming bash, Davis confirmed Scottie Pippen and Martina Navratilova from the world of sports alongside Nancy Pelosi from politics will be in attendance. "It's really exciting! It really is gonna be a dazzling audience," the 91-year-old declared.