A individual was shot during a fistfight in the Midway section of the Minnesota State Fair on Saturday night, causing a mass panic and hectic crowd to flee the area, forcing the fairgrounds to close early.
Officers responded to a bullet wound near the intersection of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday, when the area was “heavily populated with fair guests and a large contingent of law enforcement.”
During a press conference on Sunday, State Fair Police Chief Ron Knafla said the gunshot actually occurred within 15-20 feet of “dozens of law enforcement officers.”
Officers later discovered a victim suffering from a non-life threatening bullet wound to the leg, and paramedics transported the victim to the hospital. The shooter fled into the crowd and was not apprehended. The investigation is being assisted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
According to Knafla, police were already on the scene, responding to a report of a brawl and huge numbers of juveniles running through the midway. Witnesses said they saw a street brawl involving several people near the area, and police moved quickly to break up the fight.
Officials said during a press conference that law enforcement will be doubled at the fair on Sunday and Monday.
Anyone with information about Saturday’s incident should call the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 651-793-7000 or send an email to [email protected].
