A Turnstile concert in Richmond, Virginia, has drawn renewed attention after a dramatic stage dive captured in viral video footage and a separate incident in which a young fan was pepper-sprayed, prompting public outcry and an internal review of law-enforcement conduct.

The Baltimore hardcore outfit played Brown’s Island in September. As is customary at their energetic shows, the band often invites audience participation during the performance of “Birds,” encouraging fans to surge toward the stage.

In the widely viewed clip, an attendee sprints across the stage and launches himself over the photo pit, attempting to clear a substantial gap between the stage and the barricade. He completes a midair rotation, clips the top of the barrier with the back of his legs and tumbles into the crowd, prompting an audible reaction from concertgoers.

The daring leap was only one of several unsettling moments that evening. Fan-shot footage later showed a sheriff’s deputy discharging pepper spray directly toward a teenager, an action that provoked immediate condemnation. Onstage, bassist Franz Lyons can be seen flinching and shielding his face as the spray disperses.

In interviews following the event, frontman Brendan Yates criticized the officer’s actions as unacceptable and said incidents like that undermine the sense of safety the band tries to foster at their performances. The Richmond Sheriff’s Office, led by Antoinette Irving, confirmed it has opened an internal review and is examining body-worn camera footage to determine what occurred.

Turnstile have earned a reputation as one of modern rock’s most electrifying live acts, thanks to relentless touring and intense, participatory shows. Their 2021 album, Glow On, helped propel them beyond the underground scene: it debuted at No. 30 on the Billboard 200 and earned three Grammy nominations — including recognition for the album itself and for the singles “Holiday” and “Blackout.”

The Brown’s Island performance was part of the band’s fall U.S. tour. Following that North American run they began a U.K. and European leg, which started in Dublin on October 31. Stops on the European itinerary include Glasgow, Manchester and London, with additional dates in Hamburg, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris and other cities. Turnstile are scheduled to continue in January with shows in Australia.

Authorities have not yet released results from the Richmond Sheriff’s Office review. The episode has reignited debate about crowd safety, policing at live events and how venues balance high-energy performances with protecting attendees.

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