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Tyler, the Creator Arrested for Inciting Riot at SXSW

Tyler, the Creator was arrested today by Austin police for inciting fans to push past security guards into an overcrowded venue during a performance at SXSW on Thursday. He was arrested at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and charged with riot, a misdemeanor, according to a police statement. Bail was set at $3,500.

“The subject encouraged behavior causing an immediate danger and injury to persons,” the affidavit reads. “Specifically, the subject encouraged a large crowd on more than one occasion to force themselves past venue employees controlling access at the venue which was already at full capacity.”

SPIN contributor Garrett Kamps was at the concert, which took place at the Scoot Inn, and was one of the people in the way of the onrushing crowd. After Tyler led the crowd in a chant of “Push, push, push,” the guards were quickly overwhelmed. “It felt like being hit with a wave,” he wrote.

The venue was at capacity, with 999 people inside, according to the police statement.

Eventually some semblance of order was restored, and a 20-minute concert proceeded. Asked by SPIN for comment after the show ended, Tyler said, “I don’t wanna comment on it at this time,” he said. “I’m just hanging.”

Later Thursday, he tweeted, “THRASHER SHOW WAS GREAT! HAPPY EVERYONE GOT IN. I PLAY PANDORA TONIGHT AT 1AM COME!!!” The Pandora show proceeded without incident, although his Friday-night shows were cancelled.

“I DONT WANT TO CAUSE ANY TROUBLE, SOME ARE MAKING ME OUT TO BE A BAD GUY, SO IM NOT DOING ANY SHOWS TONIGHT,” he tweeted. “BE SAFE HAVE FUN ASSHOLES!”

Reps for Tyler had not responded to SPIN’s request for comment at press time.