Ricky Martin safe after 'tear gas' - or maybe pepper spray? - stops his concert in Montenegro

An outdoor Ricky Martin concert in Montenegro was abruptly interrupted when someone in the crowd released a suspected tear gas or pepper spray toward the stage. Fans scrambled for safety and sought medical help as people pushed and smelled the irritant. Ricky Martin and his entire team exited the stage while security personnel and local authorities worked to contain the situation and ensure attendee safety. The area was cleared and the singer later resumed the show once officials determined conditions were under control. The performance was part of a celebration of Montenegro’s independence anniversary, and Martin was preparing for a summer tour of Europe.

"Ricky Martin had to stop his concert Thursday in Montenegro after someone in the audience "discharged tear gas toward the stage," causing an "abrupt" interruption to the show as fans retreated and got any needed medical attention, the singer's publicist said in a statement posted on Instagram. The show did go on."

""As a precautionary measure, Ricky Martin and his entire team exited the stage while security personnel and local authorities worked to contain the situation and ensure the safety of those in attendance," the statement said. "We didn't understand what was happening," one shaken Montenegran concertgoer said on Instagram during the outdoor show."

""Suddenly, people started pushing each other, and we smelled pepper spray. Many people quickly covered their mouths and left the area. I don't know if there's still anyone in the area right now. I didn't see what the police did. I can hear that the concert has started again, but I left the area. I hope everyone is OK.""

"Whether the substance was tear gas - which, incidentally, is a powder, not a gas - or pepper spray is unclear. Both substances have similarly irritating effects, despite different ingredients. Tear gas is typically employed by law enforcement for crowd control while pepper spray is often used by individuals for self-defense, according to hazmat and crime-scene cleanup company Bio Recovery."

Read at Los Angeles Times