A 15-year-old fan was pepper sprayed by an off-duty Richmond sheriff’s deputy during a Turnstile concert on Brown’s Island, Richmond, Virginia. The incident, captured in multiple videos, has caused widespread public backlash, prompted demands for accountability, and is under internal investigation as major questions remain about the deputy’s actions and department transparency.
October 31, 2025
Source:
The Rock Revival
Incident During Turnstile’s Richmond Show
During Turnstile’s performance on Brown’s Island, Richmond, Virginia, a 15-year-old concertgoer was pepper sprayed by an off-duty sheriff’s deputy. The event occurred on September 24, 2025, as fans were invited on stage for the closing song. Videos and eyewitness accounts indicate the deputy deployed pepper spray without issuing a warning, affecting the young fan and several bystanders, including a member of the band.
The full incident was captured on body camera footage and cell phone videos widely shared online. The victim was later found by his family laying on the ground, and initial explanations from law enforcement were scant.
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Source:
The Richmonder
Official Response and Investigation
Sheriff Antionette Irving confirmed that an internal investigation is underway and a preliminary report has been completed, but this document has not been made public (The Richmonder). The deputy, identified as Major Michael Ames, has not had his current work status confirmed, and it remains unclear if a use-of-force report was filed as required by department policy.
Witnesses dispute the deputy’s claim the incident was accidental, calling the use of pepper spray intentional after reviewing the videos.
The sheriff’s policy states that pepper spray “should be avoided under conditions where it may affect innocent bystanders” and reports must be filed even for off-duty use.
There is ongoing confusion between the sheriff’s office and Richmond Police about who was in charge of event security.
Law enforcement experts who reviewed video evidence questioned the justification for force, emphasizing the youth did not pose an immediate threat (CBS 6).
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