A recent performance by Turnstile in Richmond, Virginia has ignited considerable debate after a police officer reportedly deployed pepper spray on fans attempting to join the band on stage. This incident unfolded during the encore of their track “Birds” on Wednesday, September 24, at BrownS Island.
It is indeed difficult to fathom a more perplexing reaction from law enforcement than using pepper spray against passionate fans merely wanting to immerse themselves in the music. What could have possibly motivated such an extreme measure?
As part of their dynamic live performances, Turnstile actively invites audience members to come up and share the spotlight with them. Video footage from that evening captures bassist and vocalist Franz Lyons helping one fan onto the stage while resisting security personnel who were trying to intervene.
However, one officer was observed directing pepper spray towards fans near the front row before directly spraying it into the face of a concertgoer attempting to climb up. The chemical not only affected those at the barricade but also impacted members of Turnstile, with Lyons visibly shielding his eyes from the noxious substance.
The aftermath was described as chaotic by attendees; many fans assisted each other in rinsing out their eyes with water in an attempt to alleviate the burning sensation. Reports indicate that one teenager required medical attention while others experienced lingering discomfort well into Thursday morning.
The Richmond Sheriff’s office, under Antionette Irving, has initiated an examination into this incident as they assess security protocols for events like this one.”We are reviewing all aspects of concert activities and any related allegations,” stated Sheriff Irving during an interview with local news outlet CBS 6 (WTVR).
A variety of clips from this event have rapidly circulated across social media platforms,including a notable video shared by YouTube user TimmyDNB,sparking widespread discourse regarding police behavior at live music events. While some attendees expressed disappointment over how events transpired that night, many insisted it did not overshadow what was otherwise deemed an “amazing show.”
No official comments have been released yet concerning this situation from either Turnstile’s management or event promoters The Broadberry and RMC Events as of now.
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