Hunter Hayes cancels Missouri gig amid safety concerns

Country star Hunter Hayes has cancelled an upcoming concert in St. Louis, Missouri after the state's governor announced a state of emergency in anticipation of the grand jury decision in the case against police officer Darren Wilson, who shot and killed an unarmed black teenager in August (14).

Governor Jay Nixon activated the National Guard on Monday (17Nov14), fearing a repeat of the race riots and hostilities that ripped through the state following Michael Brown's death in in the St. Louis suburb of Ferguson.

And, with the jury's decision expected this week (ends21Nov14), Nixon has put all local police departments on alert in the event the verdict incites more violence.

As a result, Hayes, who was scheduled to perform at St. Louis University on Thursday night (20Nov14), is taking precautions.

A statement from his representative reads: "Out of respect for Missouri Governor Jay Nixon's declaration declaring a state of emergency in Missouri, Hunter Hayes' Thursday, November 20 show at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis has been cancelled."

Hayes plans to reschedule the concert for 2015.