TULSA, Okla. –
The Ella Langley concert scheduled for Friday night at Tulsa’s BOK Center has been canceled after Langley’s team called off the show following a false bomb threat call, according to Tulsa police.
Officers said they conducted a preliminary sweep with K-9 officers and found no indication of a threat. Tulsa police said they did not advise the BOK Center or the artist’s team to cancel the concert.
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“We could not find anything that would make that a credible threat,” Tulsa Police Department Captain Richard Meulenberg said. “So we advised the concert folks here, not the BOK, but we advised the group here that was going to perform that we could not find a credible threat; we never advised them they should not continue to have their event. They made the decision upon themselves to cancel the event.”
The venue said the safety of fans, venue personnel and the artist is its top priority.
BOK Center officials said additional information about ticket refunds will be shared as soon as possible.
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Ella Langley released a statement on her Facebook Page saying:
“Due to a serious security threat involving the safety of my fans, the venue staff, and my team, the incredibly difficult decision was made to cancel tonight’s show. This decision was made under the advisement of local authorities, the venue, and my security team.
I know how much time, travel, money, and planning goes into coming to a show, and I can’t tell you how sorry I am. This is not a decision that was made lightly. I was so looking forward to spending tonight with you, but your safety will always mean more to me than anything else. I refuse to put anyone in harm’s way.”
Ella Langley fans left disappointed after canceled Tulsa concert
Some fans traveled hours to see Langley, arriving in cowboy boots, hats and concert shirts before learning the show was off. Rachel Leviste traveled from the Bay Area in California with her family. She said her husband surprised her and their daughter with tickets to Tulsa, turning the concert into a family adventure.
“She was going to be performing in Los Angeles, but I’m like, well, why not travel and make an adventure out of it?” Leviste said.
Other fans were looking forward to sharing the experience with their children. Paige Whinery of Tulsa brought her son to what would have been his first concert.
Jessica Henson traveled from Joplin, Missouri, and said she had been planning to attend for a long time.
“I’m a little brokenhearted right now,” Henson said.
Outside the BOK Center, fans wore disappointed expressions as they tried to figure out what happened. Some had already received refunds, while others watched as Langley’s team packed up merchandise and prepared to leave. Tabitha Barker of Edmond said she was across the street when she received word of the cancellation.
“He got an email, and we’ve literally already been refunded,” Barker said.
Despite the disappointment, Leviste said she understood the decision to prioritize safety.
“I really do appreciate that she’s considering the fans’, everyone’s safety,” Leviste said.