U2 cancels St. Louis show: ‘We cannot risk fans safety’

U2 announced they are cancelling their show in St. Louis, Mo., on Saturday due to ongoing protests. The Irish rock band said they could not risk the safety of their fans. 

“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,” the band said in a statement. 

Protests are continuing into Saturday following the Friday acquittal of a white officer who shot a black man in 2011.

{mosads}”In light of this information, 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,” the statement continued. 

Fans were informed in the statement they would receive a refund for tickets purchased online, while refunds for tickets not purchased online would be available at 10 a.m. on Monday at the location where the purchase was made. 

Demonstrators took to the streets of the midwestern city to protest Judge Timothy Wilson’s decision to acquit former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley of murder charges in the 2011 shooting of black motorist Anthony Lamar Smith. 

Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens (R) put the state’s National Guard on standby on Thursday in anticipation of potential protests after the verdict was announced. 

“I’m committed to protecting everyone’s constitutional right to protest peacefully, while also protecting people’s lives, homes, and communities,” Greitens said in a statement. 

Police were forced to dispense tear gas after protesters broke St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson’s window on her home and splattered paint on the house. 

Over 20 arrests were made by Friday evening, while 10 police officers were left injured, according to The Associated Press.