Rascal Flatts Concert in Indiana Evacuated Due to Bomb Threat
Rascal Flatts were forced to cut their Thursday night (Aug. 9) concert in Noblesville, Ind., short due to what the trio says was a "security concern." On Monday (Aug. 13), Hamilton County authorities shared that, specifically, it was a bomb threat that prompted the venue's evacuation.
According to the Indianapolis Star, the Flatts' concert at Noblesville's Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center ended abruptly, before an encore. A fan named Andy VonDielingen tells the newspaper that the band had said their goodnights, but that the country trio's piano player started to play another song, as though an encore was coming. However, he then "just stopped and left."
"A few minutes later, lights come on, and security is pulling some guy looking to be in his 20s out of the pit," VonDielingen explains. "Everyone is standing around, looking at each other and wondering what is going on."
Another fan, Britni Sherlock, reports that an announcement explained that the show was over, and "everyone boo’d." Sherlock says she kept waiting around until a security guard came over and told people to leave.
"I asked what was going on," she says, "and he replied, 'We were told to evacuate the pavilion immediately.'"
On Monday, Sheriff Mark Bowen explained that authorities found the bomb threat to be a "credible danger" and took "appropriate action" to keep everyone safe, though he did not explain how the threat was made. No one has been arrested in relation to the incident.
On Friday morning (Aug. 10), Rascal Flatts explained the situation in a post on Facebook: "Standard procedures were quickly executed and everyone was able to safely leave the building," the trio says.
"The safety of our fans, band and crew is always the top priority for us," the Flatts add, "so we are so thankful for everyone who jumped into action and for your understanding. We will be back soon!"
Rascal Flatts are currently on the road for their summer Back to Us Tour. Dan + Shay and Carly Pearce are their special guests for the trek.
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