ALBANY, NY (CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — After several fights broke out at a talent show that was to feature controversial rapper Jim Jones as a headliner at the University of Albany’s SEFCU Arena, police used pepper spray, Tasers and physical restraints to restore order, eventually shutting down the event.
In all, 12 concertgoers were arrested, and two people, who were among those arrested, went to the hospital with minor injuries. Only one person arrested was a UAlbany student, according to the Albany Times-Union.
Police believe 1,100 people were at the event when a fire alarm was pulled. Fights broke out as the attendees were coming back into the arena after a check by local fire officials did not find any problems.
The show’s promoter, Kofi Opoku Agyemang, CEO and president of Crown Legends Worldwide, told the paper that his group had no part in canceling the event. Headliner Jim Jones never got a chance to perform.
“They had a problem with people smoking, and just as I got on stage to make an announcement, the alarm went off,” he told the paper.
Opoku Agyemang said he paid for security and did everything he was asked by the university and the police and is now out $40,000.
“Everyone was excited and looking to have a good time,” he continued. “The security and police were overwhelmed.” –by CelebrityAccess Staff Writers
