Patti LaBelle & Crowd Evacuate Milwaukee Concert After Bomb Threat

Patti LaBelle‘s Dec. 10 Milwaukee Christmas concert was abruptly interrupted and then stopped after a purported bomb threat.

The R&B legend was mid-conversation with a fan when security rushed up to the Riverside Theater stage, took her microphone and swiftly escorted her out of the venue.

The singer was shocked and confused in the moment. “Hold up. Wait!” She cried out as the two men made sure she was brought to safety. LaBelle’s crowd yelled out in concern.

The “On My Own” performer was just two songs into her show before the 2500-seat theater had to be cleared out.

According to a report from the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the crowd evacuation, fortunately, went smoothly. “Regarding the bomb threat in the 100 block of W. Wisconsin, all patrons have been safely evacuated,” Milwaukee Police Captain Warren E. Allen Jr. said in a Saturday night statement. “Police are clearing the facility at this time. The investigation is fluid and ongoing.”

In an early morning Sunday statement, authorities revealed, “No explosive devices were discovered.” They added that there “is no threat to the public at this time.”

On Dec. 11, the operator of Riverside Theater, Pabst Theater Group, tweeted their thanks to all those who helped to ensure fans’ safety. “We are thankful for the efforts of the Milwaukee Police Department and our customers and staff for their safe and orderly exit,” they wrote.

The theater group also noted that they will coordinate with LaBelle to reschedule the show.

LaBelle has not yet made a public statement about the incident. She is slated to play more U.S. shows in February and March 2023.