Fans of The Avett Brothers in Troutdale, Oregon were likely faced with confusion and disappointment after the band’s set at the Edgefield McMenamins was cancelled last night. Once they learned the reason for the cancellation, those emotions likely shifted to fear and relief — according to Billboard, the show was cancelled after a man entered the venue with a gun.

When the man arrived at the venue and went through security, he set off the metal detectors at the door. When confronted by security and informed of the venue’s no-firearm policy, he told them he was an out of state police officer and he provided a badge as proof. A statement from The Avett Brothers explains that a security guard told the man to wait while she consulted with her manager. Disregarding her instructions and the no-firearm policy, the man entered the venue. After being unable to locate the man within the audience, in an abundance of caution the band cancelled the show. With the recent history of firearm-related mass violence perpetrated at music venues in the last several years, the band felt the understandable obligation to keep their fans and themselves safe.

The show was intended to be the third show in a series of concerts from The Avett Brothers at the venue. According to the statement from the band, they intend to make up the date at the nearest possible time. Read the full statement from the band below, as well as a related tweet from cellist Joe Kwon.

This evening, during the admission process at our show at the Edgefield McMenamins in Troutdale, Oregon, an individual passing through the metal detector was found to be carrying a gun. When confronted by the security guard and informed of the no-firearm policy of the venue, the individual stated that he was an out-of-state police officer and showed a badge. The security guard then asked the individual to wait for the manager so his entry could be confirmed. The individual disregarded her instructions and ventured immediately into the size-able audience. After an exhaustive search of the venue by the security staff of both the band and the venue, the individual was not located.

Due to the obvious threat posed by someone in the audience with a firearm, regardless of his (unconfirmed) claim of being a member of law enforcement, we were obligated, for the safety of everyone present, to cancel the performance.

It was unfortunate that such action had to be taken, but we have no regret in being in a position to make a decision which helps to keep our fans safe.

We look forward to making this performance up at the earliest possible juncture. Once the details are sorted for this, we will get the word out immediately.

Thank you for your understanding in this matter, and much love to you all for the continued support, love, and consideration…

Sincerely,
The Avett Brothers

Y’all I’m so sorry about tonight. I hope you understand. People can be really idiotic. I love to be on that stage to play for you all, so it’s a crushing blow to be sitting side stage waiting to walk on just to be called back. Much love to you all. Be safe. Good night.

— Joe Kwon (권요셉) (@joekwon80) July 8, 2018

Photo Credit: Kalyn Oyer