A Turnstile live performance in Richmond, VA descended into controversy this week after a police officer reportedly discharged pepper spray at followers trying to affix the band onstage. The incident came about on Wednesday, September 24 at Brown’s Island throughout the Baltimore outfit’s encore efficiency of “Birds.”
As a result of nothing fairly screams “cops who do not perceive what the fuck is occurring” than pepper spraying followers who’re stage diving. Go residence, guys.
As a part of their high-energy stay custom, Turnstile inspired viewers members to affix them on stage. Video footage from the evening reveals bassist and vocalist Franz Lyons actively serving to a fan onto the platform whereas pushing again in opposition to safety employees trying to intervene.
Nonetheless, one officer was seen pointing pepper spray at followers close to the stage, earlier than dispersing the chemical immediately into the face of a concertgoer trying to climb up. The blast affected not solely followers on the barricade but additionally members of Turnstile onstage, with Lyons visibly shielding his eyes.
Attendees described chaos within the quick aftermath, with followers pouring water into each other’s eyes to counteract the burning. One teenage fan reportedly required medical consideration, whereas others described lingering signs into the next morning.
Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving has since confirmed that her workplace, which dealt with safety on the present, has opened an investigation. “We’re reviewing the live performance exercise and any allegations associated to any incidents,” Irving informed native outlet CBS 6 (WTVR).
Clips from the present, together with one shared by YouTube person TimmyDNB, rapidly circulated on-line, fueling widespread debate over police conduct at stay music occasions. Whereas some followers expressed disappointment that the evening ended on such a bitter observe, many insisted the incident didn’t break what was in any other case an “wonderful present.”
Neither Turnstile‘s administration, promoter The Broadberry, nor RMC Occasions have publicly commented on the matter as of press time.
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