The first day of Germany's longrunning Rock Am Ring festival was cut short today, when a terror warning forced local police to evacuate the festival site.
Officials cited "concrete evidence" that forced them to make the decision in the interest of the safety of the fans. Festivalgoers were asked to leave the grounds in a calm and orderly fashion. Over 80,000 people were expexted at the festival over the weekend, near the German city of Nürburgring. With the memories of the Ariana Grande concert still fresh in people's minds, Rock Am Ring bumped up security, making sure 1,200 officers were on site. This was the best decision for the safety of the fans.
The festival organizers released this statement:
“Due to a terrorist threat the police have advised us to interrupt the festival.
We ask all festival visitors to leave the festival site in a calm and controlled manner towards the exits and camping grounds.
We have to support the police investigations.All visitors will be kept informed about any developments on all Rock am Ring Social Media channels, radio and the speakers.
We hope that the festival will continue tomorrow. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Among the headliners for this year's event were Rammstein, System Of A Down, Prophets Of Rage, In Flames. Rammstein were set to headline the first night.
Festival Rock am Ring terminated in the first evening because of a terror threat #dw_culture pic.twitter.com/My9S6imYQq
— Rick Fulker (@rickfulker) June 2, 2017
Now we're being "encouraged" to leave by security @rar2017 pic.twitter.com/VO93UDX5jt
— Rick Fulker (@rickfulker) June 2, 2017
In the process of evacuating 90,000 people from the Rock am Ring #Rar2017 field, everything is very calm pic.twitter.com/qEJJD7FIoV
— Rick Fulker (@rickfulker) June 2, 2017
They've interrupted Rock am Ring Festival due to terror threat and this is the punters' reaction. Amazing. https://t.co/YgK06yPYTb
— dani (@dani_queues) June 2, 2017
Yes, @rockamring is being evacuated; but, aside from a siren and occasional flashing lights, it seems from my vantage point to be calm.
— Chris Kael (@5FDPChrisKael) June 2, 2017
https://twitter.com/theanonjournal/status/870737042350776320
Rock am Ring festival: First images of the arena being evacuated https://t.co/MJSzo34UFQ pic.twitter.com/tDEAuA53en
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) June 2, 2017
