A Turnstile concert in Richmond, VA descended into controversy this week after a police officer reportedly discharged pepper spray at fans attempting to join the band onstage. The incident took place on Wednesday, September 24 at Brown’s Island during the Baltimore outfit’s encore performance of “Birds.”
Because nothing quite screams “cops who don’t understand what the fuck is going on” than pepper spraying fans who are stage diving. Go home, guys.
As part of their high-energy live tradition, Turnstile encouraged audience members to join them on stage. Video footage from the night shows bassist and vocalist Franz Lyons actively helping a fan onto the platform while pushing back against security staff attempting to intervene.
However, one officer was seen pointing pepper spray at fans near the stage, before dispersing the chemical directly into the face of a concertgoer attempting to climb up. The blast affected not only fans at the barricade but also members of Turnstile onstage, with Lyons visibly shielding his eyes.
Attendees described chaos in the immediate aftermath, with fans pouring water into one another’s eyes to counteract the burning. One teenage fan reportedly required medical attention, while others described lingering symptoms into the following morning.
Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving has since confirmed that her office, which handled security at the show, has opened an investigation. “We are reviewing the concert activity and any allegations related to any incidents,” Irving told local outlet CBS 6 (WTVR).
Clips from the show, including one shared by YouTube user TimmyDNB, quickly circulated online, fueling widespread debate over police conduct at live music events. While some fans expressed disappointment that the night ended on such a sour note, many insisted the incident did not ruin what was otherwise an “amazing show.”
Neither Turnstile‘s management, promoter The Broadberry, nor RMC Events have publicly commented on the matter as of press time.
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