The New York police department canceled Drake’s free performance at New York City’s South Street Seaport yesterday (June 15) after an estimated 25,000 fans showed up and poised a risk to concertgoers.

According to ABC News, the turnout was more than double than expected and officers were ordered to disperse the massive crowd. Several fights were reported and chairs and bottles were thrown as fans waited for Drake to arrive. Two people were arrested and six suffered minor injuries.

“I am humbled by the crowd that showed up in support of my performance and the release of Thank Me Later,” Drake said in a statement. “I love performing for my fans but unfortunately the show was canceled by the NYPD due to overcrowding, leaving me without the chance to give my fans a real show. I’m thankful for the support that the fans have been giving me… I thank you now.”

"Our primary concern is always the safety of our guests,” reps for the South Street Seaport added. “Unfortunately, by the announced show time, both the Seaport management and NYPD estimated that the onsite crowd had greatly exceeded this safe capacity, was still rising, and the show could no longer be presented in a safe atmosphere. By 7 p.m., a decision was made in consultation with the police to cancel the event in order to foster the safe dispersal of the over-capacity crowd."

The concert was put together by Paper magazine and sponsored by Ray-Ban Sunglasses for the celebration of the release of the Young Money star’s highly anticipated debut LP, Thank Me Later, which officially hit stores yesterday. —Kamaria Gboro

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