While some fans were enjoying Chris Brown and Kendrick Lamar inside Hot97’s Summer Jam concert on Sunday night, others were clashing with New Jersey state police just beyond the gates. NorthJersey.com reports that the police were armed with riot gear, pepper spray, sonic weapons and, according to spokesman Sgt. Gregory Williams, made “‘multiple arrests’ inside and outside the stadium.” Concertgoers were reportedly hurling bottles at the police. The above video, shot by Sarah Duvi, captures some of the chaotic scene.
According to statements from Hot97 and the police, security reinforcements arrived after some angry fans attempted to climb the fences to enter the concert. Hot 97’s owner Emmis New York released the following statement about the incident via email to NorthJersey.com:
“Due to strong demand for tickets for Summer Jam 2015, the show sold out early this evening. When fans realized tickets were not available at the box office, a small number of people created an unsafe environment, and for the safety of all guests, the New Jersey State Police were on scene to disperse the crowd. The gates were closed at that time. No further entry was permitted into the event.”
The police issued the following statement at 11 PM:
“This evening, security personnel at one of the entrance gates to MetLife Stadium were confronted by crowds attempting to illegally enter the sold out Summer Jam concert by climbing over fences and forcing their way through security personnel,” the statement said, adding, “The gates have been shut and troopers on site have called for assistance from several nearby stations to help maintain order.”
“Troopers and stadium security officials are insisting that all people outside of the gates depart the MetLife grounds to avoid congestion when the concert lets out,” the statement said. “There is no number of arrests available at this time.”
Ticketholders who were denied entry as a result of the incident will be refunded.
