The US Department Of State Encourages Citizens To Avoid Longitude

The US Department of State has warned citizens against attending Longitude festival.

The statement was released on Twitter yesterday evening ahead of opening night and caused some uneasiness and confusion amongst attendees. The popular festival commenced last night with a rap-dominated line-up which includes Cardi B, Stormzy and Ski Mask.

They tweeted:

“Reports indicate a potential for violence at the Longitude Festival taking place from July 5-7 in Marlay Park. Police have increased event security and are monitoring the situation. Be aware of your surroundings and exercise caution if in the area.”

They also advised that:

“Local police are aware of the threat and will conduct comprehensive bag and person searches. The police have increased event security and are monitoring the situation.”

https://twitter.com/TravelGov/status/1147174605104304128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1147174605104304128&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.irishtimes.com%2Fnews%2Fireland%2Firish-news%2Fus-embassy-warns-citizens-against-attending-longitude-festival-1.3947961

However, the alert appeared to have been issued without the knowledge of the Gardaí or festival organisers, MCD.

MCD promoter Denis Desmond told the Independent.ie he was shocked and completely in the dark as to why the state department in Ireland had advised its citizens not to go.

Gardaí said: "The festival is being policed appropriately following normal security risk assessment. A full and comprehensive policing plan is available on the Garda website www.garda.ie and on all Garda Social Media sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. "No incidents have been reported to date." There was no report of any incidents last night and the festival will continue during the weekend.