Deputy pepper-sprays concertgoer at Turnstile show in Richmond

A sheriff's deputy in Richmond, Virginia, reportedly sprayed pepper spray into the face of a concertgoer during a Turnstile performance on Wednesday, September 24, prompting an investigation by the Richmond City Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred at Browns Island near the end of the band’s set as the group performed the song Birds and encouraged audience members to come onstage, a recurring practice at their shows.

Video from the concert shows members of the audience attempting to climb onto the stage while security personnel stood at the front. In the footage, a deputy appears to draw a canister and spray directly at a person trying to get onstage. Turnstile bassist Franz Lyons is seen helping fans onto the platform and then recoiling and shielding his eyes as the chemical disperses toward the band. Other performers moved away from the affected area shortly afterward.

Attendees described immediate confusion and discomfort as the spray affected people near the barricade and onstage. One anonymous concertgoer said, "I smelled the air getting a little spicy, and then my eyes are watering. I was like, Oh crap, it's pepper spray." Fans assisted one another by pouring water into...