Dozens of fans at a Turnstile concert on Brown’s Island in Richmond experienced an unexpected end to their night when a sheriff’s deputy deployed pepper spray into the crowd during the band’s performance of “Birds.”
The incident, which occurred as the Baltimore-based hardcore band was wrapping up their show, unfolded when a fan attempted to climb onto the stage—a common practice during this particular song, when band members typically invite audience participation.
The chaotic clash between fan culture and security protocol erupted just as tradition called for audience members to join performers onstage.
Video evidence captured the moment a Richmond sheriff’s deputy directly sprayed the fan attempting to join others on stage, creating immediate confusion among the thousands in attendance. The confrontation highlighted a stark disconnect between the band’s interactive performance style and law enforcement’s approach to crowd control at the event.
Turnstile, known for their energetic performances and audience engagement, had been actively encouraging fans to join them onstage during their encore performance. Band members were visibly assisting concertgoers onto the platform moments before the deputy’s intervention, creating a contradictory dynamic that left many attendees bewildered.
The presence of uniformed and presumably armed sheriff’s deputies at the stage barricade represented a departure from typical concert security protocols at Brown’s Island, where unarmed personnel usually manage crowd barriers. Many musicians would have addressed this conflict during sound check, when professional performers typically clarify stage protocols and audience expectations with venue staff to prevent such incidents.
While local regulations require law enforcement presence at large gatherings, their positioning directly at the stage front raised questions about event planning and communication. The concert was part of the Live Loud series produced by Broadberry Entertainment Group in collaboration with nonprofit Venture Richmond.
Richmond Sheriff Antionette Irving has acknowledged the incident and confirmed an ongoing investigation into the allegations surrounding the pepper spray deployment.
Despite multiple requests for comment, the sheriff’s office has not provided explanation for the deputy’s actions or clarified why such force was deemed necessary during an anticipated moment of audience participation.
The incident has sparked considerable discussion on social media and in local news, with fans questioning the appropriateness of using chemical irritants against concertgoers engaged in behavior that was not only expected but encouraged by the performing artists themselves.
For Turnstile, this disruption could potentially impact their live performance revenue, which represents one of the most important income streams for working musicians in today’s industry.
