Erika Goldring/Getty ImagesFollowing protests in St. Louis following the acquittal of a white former police officer in the 2011 fatal shooting of a black man, U2 has canceled a scheduled Saturday night performance in the city.
In a statement released Saturday morning, U2 and concert promoter Live Nation declared, “We have been informed by the St. Louis Police Department that they are not in a position to provide the standard protection for our audience as would be expected for an event of this size. We have also been informed that local crowd security personnel would not be at full capacity.”
The statement continued: “In light of this information, we cannot in good conscience risk our fans’ safety by proceeding with tonight’s concert. As much as we regret having to cancel, we feel it is the only acceptable course of action in the current environment.”
Dozens of people have been arrested since Friday’s acquittal of white former police officer Jason Stockley in the December 20, 2011 fatal shooting of Lamar Smith, a black man, who was shot five times following a high-speed chase and crash. Stockley was charged with first-degree murder and armed criminal action in the shooting.
Fans who purchased tickets for U2’s Saturday night performance at St. Louis’ The Dome at America’s Center will receive a full refund.
U2’s currently touring to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their landmark 1987 album, The Joshua Tree.
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