Investigation Launched After Sheriff’s Deputy Pepper Sprays Turnstile Fan in Richmond

An investigation is underway after a sheriff’s deputy pepper sprayed a Turnstile fan during a heated moment at a Richmond concert.

When Hardcore Meets Controversy: The Richmond Incident

If you’ve ever been to a Turnstile show, you know their live gigs are more than concerts—they’re full-throttle celebrations of hardcore energy, community, and chaos. So imagine the surprise and shock when a fan at their Richmond show got pepper sprayed right in the middle of this electric atmosphere.

On September 24, 2025, Baltimore’s hardcore pioneers, Turnstile, rocked Richmond’s Brown’s Island venue. True to form, the band encouraged fans to jump onstage during their performance of the anthemic track “Birds,” an invitation that fuels the wild moshpits and stage dives they’re known for.

But a fan video caught something upsetting: a sheriff’s deputy positioned at the front of the stage, trying to control the crowd, suddenly pulling out a can of pepper spray and firing it directly into a fan’s face. The bassist Franz Lyons, standing just feet away, visibly recoiled, shielding his eyes in disbelief.

Turnstile electrify the crowd at Glastonbury 2025. Photo by Andy Ford

Here’s the footage that’s sparked the investigation:

The Aftermath and Official Response

Richmond Sheriff Antoinette Irving told CBS 6 News that the pepper spray incident is officially under investigation, reflecting the serious nature of the event. Fans and witnesses shared their experiences of the moment when the air suddenly turned "spicy." One attendee recalled, “I smelled the air getting a little spicy, and then my eyes are watering. I was like, ‘Oh crap, it’s pepper spray.’ People were pouring water in people’s eyes to rinse the eyes out. I just kind of took a second to breathe it out. Coughed a bit.”

The scene was chaotic but speaks volumes about the intensity and sometimes unpredictable nature of live hardcore shows—and the challenges security personnel face managing such energy.

Turnstile’s Unstoppable Momentum on Tour

This incident happened during Turnstile’s US autumn tour, which kicked off on September 15 in Nashville with a standout moment when Paramore’s Hayley Williams joined them onstage for a duet of "Seein’ Stars." The band is now making stops across the country, backed by impressive support acts including SPEED, Jane Remover, Mannequin Pussy, Blood Orange, and Amyl & The Sniffers.

Their latest album, Never Enough, is riding high on critical acclaim — it snagged a glowing five-star review and was named one of the best albums of 2025 so far. Drummer Daniel Fang shared in an interview that the pressure from their 2021 breakthrough Glow On didn’t weigh them down during this follow-up. He reflected, “I don’t think any of us can even fathom that, because there’s an infinite well within everyone [in the band]… I don’t understand how anyone could be guided by that when there’s so much else to work off of.”

From Richmond to Glastonbury: Turnstile’s Fierce Live Reputation

Turnstile isn’t just known in the States—they’ve been tearing up stages worldwide. Their recent Glastonbury 2025 set drew rave reviews for its relentless moshpit energy and no-nonsense performance style.

“This set is what Turnstile are all about – there’s no needless chatter… Instead, it simply boils down to the sheer intensity and precision with which they deliver each of their 15 tracks, and the unwavering loyalty they get in return. Get ready for Turnstile to dominate this summer – and beyond.”

The band is now gearing up for a UK and European tour beginning on October 31 in Dublin, promising more high-octane performances. Fans can expect the same raw passion and stage dive frenzy that have become Turnstile’s signature.

Why This Incident Matters in the Punk and Hardcore Scene

Turnstile’s shows are legendary for breaking down barriers between band and audience, creating an electric sense of unity. Security measures are necessary, of course, but the use of pepper spray at a moment when the band was inviting fans onstage fractures that shared energy and raises questions about crowd control tactics.

For longtime fans, incidents like this hit hard because they challenge the communal spirit that defines hardcore shows. It’s a reminder that the balance between safety and freedom in live music spaces is delicate—and sometimes volatile.

What’s Next?

The ongoing investigation will hopefully clarify the circumstances around the pepper spray incident and hopefully lead to changes that protect fans without dampening the infectious energy Turnstile concerts are known for.

For now, the band continues to tour, igniting audiences with their fearless sound and relentless positivity. If you’re lucky enough to catch them live, be ready for some serious adrenaline—and maybe a little chaos, just the way hardcore fans like it.

FAQ

• How did the pepper spray incident start?
  A sheriff’s deputy at the front of the stage tried to control the crowd during a moment when Turnstile encouraged fans to come onstage, resulting in the deputy pepper spraying a fan.
• What was Turnstile’s reaction during the incident?
  Bassist Franz Lyons was seen recoiling and covering his eyes, indicating surprise and discomfort at the situation.
• Where else is Turnstile touring?
  After their Richmond show, they have several US dates left, followed by a UK and European tour starting in Dublin on October 31.
• What is the band’s latest album?
  Never Enough is their most recent release, praised for its energetic and fresh take on hardcore.
• Is the pepper spray incident being investigated?
  Yes, Richmond Sheriff Antoinette Irving confirmed an official investigation into the event.

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