U2 forced to cancel concert this weekend due to violent protests

"We cannot in good conscience risk our fans’ safety by proceeding with tonight’s concert."

U2 were set to perform at St. Louis' Dome on Saturday night, but they were forced to cancel the performance in light of the violent protests that are occurring around the city. On Friday, former local police officer Jason Stockley was found not guilty of murder in the 2011 shooting of Anthony Lamar Smith. In the hours following his verdict being announced, protesters took to the streets in their hundreds in St. Louis, which led to highways being blocked and large congregations forming outside the mayor's home. Eventually the protest turned violent when rocks were thrown at police officers, injuring four of them. Tear gas used to disperse the crowd, and 23 people were arrested.

Police fire tear gas in clashes with protesters in St Louis after ex-cop acquitted of murdering black man https://t.co/Cn3hBVGkRj pic.twitter.com/LiZkackSOn

— Reuters Top News (@Reuters) September 16, 2017

As the protests continue, police felt they would be unable to properly meet the requirements of the concert. In a statement released on Saturday, the band said the following: "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." "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." Full refunds are being given to those who had purchased tickets for the concert.