Patti LaBelle’s concert at the Riverside Theater in Milwaukee was abruptly shut down last night (December 10), when the venue was cleared out due to a bomb threat. According to reports from The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and Rolling Stone, the singer was transported off of the stage by venue security as she was chatting with a fan between songs. The moment was captured on video by a number of concertgoers. Following LaBelle’s departure, the crowd was evacuated from the venue without incident. Police later confirmed that “no explosive devices were discovered.” Pitchfork has reached out to LaBelle’s representatives for comment.
In a statement shared with The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Milwaukee Police Captain Warren E. Allen Jr. wrote: “Regarding the bomb threat in the 100 block of W. Wisconsin, all patrons have been safely evacuated. Police are clearing the facility at this time. The investigation is fluid and ongoing.” In an additional statement, Allen wrote that the venue was searched by K9 units, and that “no explosive devices were discovered.” He concluded that there “is no threat to the public at this time.”
Early this morning, the Pabst Theater Group—operator of Riverside Theater—tweeted the news that LaBelle’s show had been postponed due to the bomb threat. “We are thankful for the efforts of the Milwaukee Police Department and our customers and staff for their safe and orderly exit,” the company wrote, adding that they are working with LaBelle to reschedule the event.