East Rutherford, New Jersey — Multiple arrests are being reported at the Summer Jam Concert at MetLife Stadium.
Statement from the NJ State Police regarding tonight’s Summer Jam concert at MetLife stadium:
“This evening, security personnel at one of the entrance gates to MetLife Stadium were confronted by crowds attempting to illegally enter the sold out Summer Jam concert by climbing over fences and forcing their way through security personnel. The gates have been shut and troopers on site have called for assistance from several nearby stations to help maintain order.
Troopers and stadium security officials are insisting that all people outside of the gates depart the MetLife grounds to avoid congestion when the concert lets out. There is no number of arrests available at this time.”
Police used tear gas against unruly crowds after at least one NJ Trooper was injured. There were also reports of police deploying tasers.
As a result, New Jersey State Police sent additional troops for crowd control. Suspects were also seen throwing bottles at police.
According to reports from NorthJersey.com: “Police used sound generators to produce a screeching, ear-pounding noise in an effort to disperse the crowd, only to see it regroup and attack with bottles at another site in the parking lot outside the stadium.”
Officers in riot gear were pictured at the stadium.
BREAKING VIDEO: Riots break out at MetLife Stadium at Summer Jam event. Video Via @thatkcguy_ Instagram. pic.twitter.com/EGAgu7xv6L
— N. Jerzy Fire Alert (@NJerzyFireAlert) June 8, 2015
BREAKING VIDEO: Riots break out at MetLife Stadium at Summer Jam event. Video Via: @joetorious_ Instagram pic.twitter.com/386xQi3nJ1
— N. Jerzy Fire Alert (@NJerzyFireAlert) June 8, 2015
This story is developing. Check back for updates.
Summer Jam 2015 is billed as “the hottest hip hop event of the year.”
Summer Jam is the annual hip-hop fest held in East Rutherford, New Jersey and sponsored by New York based radio station Hot 97FM.
Normally held in June, the concert features the most popular acts that hip-hop and R&B have to offer in a particular year. The hip-hop summer festival format was originally pioneered and popularized by San Francisco radio station KMEL with their large-scale Summer Jam concerts from 1987 through the 1990s and present day.
KMEL continues to host smaller versions of the event annually.
Similarly, Los Angeles station KKBT held an annual Summer Jam hip-hop concert during the 1990s after hiring KMEL’s Program Director in 1993. The concert was discontinued as the station switched formats.
Photo: @ChrisFHJordan – Twitter
