A police investigation has been launched regarding an incident that took place at the foot of the stage during Turnstile‘s show at Brown’s Island in Richmond, VA this past Wednesday, September 24th. Local police officers were employed to assist with security at the event, and while the band encouraged members of the audience to join them onstage during the set closing performance of “Birds“, local authorities appeared to have had other plans.
Footage of the incident below found numerous members of the audience being deterred by security. At one point in the below video, bassist/vocalist Franz Lyons can be seen visibly defending and helping a fan onstage, pushing back against the attempts from an apparent member of the security staff trying to stop them.
As one fan attempted to get up on stage, an officer, who previously had his pepper spray drawn and pointed it at an audience member climbing up onstage prior, dispersed the chemical agent. The blast of the deterrent was directly in the face of the concertgoer and in the general proximity of the band.
According to WTVR, Richmond Sherriff Antionette Irving has opened an investigation into the matter. Irving was quoted as saying, “We are reviewing the concert activity and any allegations related to any incidents.”
