Another concert, another security concern: Turnstile show marred by pepper spray attack

A police officer allegedly sprayed pepper spray at fans trying to join the band onstage during a Turnstile concert this week in Richmond, Virginia, sparking uproar. As reported from MetalInjection, at Brown’s Island, this unfortunate event happened on Wednesday, September 24, during the performance of “Birds.” Turnstile invited fans to join them on stage as part of their exuberant live tradition. The night’s video captures Franz Lyons assisting a fan onto the stage while resisting attempts by security personnel to step in. One cop, however, was observed directing pepper spray at concertgoers close to the stage before spraying the crowd in the face of a concertgoer who was trying to ascend. Lyons was clearly hiding his eyes from the blast, which also affected Turnstile members onstage. In order to combat the burning, fans poured water into each other’s eyes, causing havoc in the immediate aftermath, according to attendees. Others claimed symptoms that persisted throughout the next morning, and one teenage fan apparently needed medical assistance. Since then, Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving has acknowledged that an investigation has been launched by her agency, which was in charge of security at the performance.

We are reviewing the concert activity and any allegations related to any incidents. Antionette Irving to CBS 6 (WTVR)

YouTube user TimmyDNB published one of the show’s clips, which swiftly went viral online and stoked a heated discussion about police tactics during live music performances. Although some fans were disappointed that the evening ended so negatively, many maintained that the incident did not detract from the otherwise “amazing show.” As at the time of writing, RMC Events, promoter The Broadberry, and Turnstile‘s management have not made any public statements regarding the situation.