Police Chief Says He's Not Aware Of Beyoncé Concert Boycott
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- An upcoming Beyoncé concert is causing controversy in Pittsburgh.
With tens of thousands of fans expected to pack Heinz Field and its surrounding parking lot, a solid public safety plan is priority one for the city when singer Beyoncé come to town at the end of the month.
Some police sources tell KDKA many officers have refused to sign up to work the second-duty detail on May 31.
The chief of Pittsburgh Police says he doesn't have that information.
"Quite frankly, I've been regularly checking with my staff, involved with planning, working with the law department to stay within the parameters of collective bargaining agreement, and my last understanding was we had the event staffed to our satisfaction," said Chief Cameron McLay.
Law enforcement officials across the country have either boycotted Beyoncé's "Formation" Tour or condemned the performer for what they call inflammatory lyrics with anti-police sentiments.
The mayor says he's confident Pittsburgh's force will be there to focus on the two big objectives.
"Number one, that people are kept safe; and number 2, that we're able to move traffic," said Mayor Bill Peduto. "I have faith in the chief that we'll have the officers necessary to do both."
What the chief doesn't want is a repeat of the Pittsburgh Marathon staffing debacle, in which officers were forced to work due to a lack of volunteers.
"It's our duty to protect everyone," say Chief McLay. "So, I would be dismayed, I haven't heard that, and I'm confident that will turn out to be just another bad rumor."
The concert will be held May 31 at Heinz Field.
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