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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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Public Reaction and Broader Issues
The incident has galvanized public concern over use of force and transparency. The family of the victim, concert organizers, and fans have expressed outrage and called for accountability. Community members are questioning why the force was used and if protocols were followed, as well as the sheriff’s office’s refusal to release the investigation findings (Metal Injection).
Images and videos circulating on social media have intensified scrutiny.
Questions remain about the presence and role of deputies at the concert, especially since the event plan did not assign them to the front of the stage.
Calls are increasing for better safety protocols and transparency in handling use-of-force incidents at public events.
What was the reaction of the band members to the incident?
At least one Turnstile band member was affected by the pepper spray. The band and their representatives criticized the use of force and questioned its necessity after viewing the footage.
How has the community responded to the pepper spraying incident?
Are there any updates on the investigation into the deputy's actions?
What measures are being taken to prevent similar incidents at future concerts?
How did the parents of the teenager describe the incident to the authorities?
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