Thousands in Central Park panic after barrier collapse

NEW YORK — The collapse of a police barrier at a politically charged New York celebrity music show in Central Park sent thousands of spectators fleeing in panic, fearing the noise might have been gunshots.

About 60,000 people had filled the park’s Great Lawn for Saturday’s eighthour Global Citizen Festival. They listened to bigname personalities from Democratic New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Republican Sen. Jeff Flake to Janet Jackson and John Legend who all urged spectators to get involved in the nation’s troubled politics.

Suddenly, just before 8 p.m., the police barrier meant to keep the crowd in check toppled over, releasing a clanging sound that terrified many spectators.

Authorities quickly assured the crowd they were safe and no shots had been fired. And Coldplay leader Chris Martin told spectators that “nobody is trying to hurt anyone,” eliciting cheers from the audience. “There’s no need to run fast. There’s no need to push people out of the way.”

The intense reaction underlined the burning social justice issues that dominated the event, which had started on a warm, sunny afternoon, with long lines forming for access. Also scheduled were Cardi B, The Weeknd and other pop stars.

Some speakers asked the audience to call their Congress members to react to this week’s Senate hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh.