The Richmond Sheriff’s office has launched an investigation after one of its own deputies was caught on video pepper-spraying fans and members of the band Turnstile during a chaotic incident at the band’s concert on Wednesday night. The incident occurred during the show’s encore, after the band, in a long-standing tradition, invited members of the crowd to join them on stage.
The event took place on September 24 at Brown’s Island in Richmond, Virginia. Video footage from the concert shows that during the encore, as the band encouraged fans to come on stage, a sheriff’s deputy deployed a cloud of pepper spray directly into the face of a fan attempting to climb up. The spray also appeared to indirectly hit a venue security guard, Turnstile bassist Franz Lyons, and several other fans who were already on stage.
Following the incident, Lyons can be seen covering his face and retreating to the back of the stage with frontman Brendan Yates. Fans who were near the stage reported the effects of the chemical agent.
“I smelled the air getting a little spicy, and then my eyes are watering,” one anonymous fan told CBS 6. “I was like, ‘Oh cr*p.’ It’s pepper spray.” The fan also reported seeing people pouring water into the eyes of those affected and that a teenage fan required assistance from medical services.
In response to the incident, Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving, whose office was handling security for the event, issued a brief statement.
“We are reviewing the concert activity and any allegations relating to any incidents,” the statement read.
The use of pepper spray on concertgoers who were invited on stage by the band has sparked outrage online and left attendees with questions. “I want to know who and why?” the fan told CBS 6. “It didn’t ruin it. I still think was an amazing show. It just kind of like, it’s disappointing.”
The music community is now awaiting the results of the Sheriff’s investigation to see what, if any, consequences the deputy will face for an act that turned a moment of joyful, chaotic celebration into one of pain and confusion.
Pepper Spray Video Richmond Show
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