State Fair to increase law enforcement presence after Saturday night shooting near Midway area
FALCON HEIGHTS, Minn. -- Minnesota State Fair attendees will see an increased law enforcement presence Sunday and Monday after a shooting Saturday night caused hundreds to flee the area in a panic.
The fair shut down early around 10:20 p.m. due to the shooting, which occurred near the entrance to the Midway at Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street.
"It's senseless. It's outrageous. You hear the frustrations," Gov. Tim Walz said. "We love this place, we love the State Fair. Months of work went into this, all of these things. And we have this individual with a firearm that thinks it's OK to be there."
State Fair Police Chief Ron Knafla said a single shot was fired shortly after 10 p.m., and a victim with a gunshot wound to the leg was hospitalized. They are expected to survive.
Police were already at the scene at the time of the shooting, responding to a reported fight. Knafla said the shot was fired within feet of "dozens of law enforcement officers."
"I don't know what else could've been done," Knafla said. "For somebody to engage in such a brazen act in a crowd of people, with no regard for he safety or the lives of others is just disgusting in my opinion."
Officials believe the victim was targeted, and that they and the suspect knew each other. The suspect is not in custody, and investigators said they are not sharing a description publicly at this time, citing the ongoing investigation.
No gun was recovered from the scene.
"That you could get a small gun in is not inconceivable, but we want to make it even more difficult in the future," Department of Public Safety Commissioner John Harrington said.
Minnesota State Patrol presence will be doubled at the fair on Sunday and Monday, officials said.
"You can expect to see a very robust police presence today," Harrington said. "I am confident that once again we are tracking this the right way."
"Law enforcement is investigating this incident and bolstering their presence tomorrow," Walz tweeted Saturday night.
Officials are asking anyone with information about the shooting, including pictures or videos, to contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
WCCO is working to learn more. Please check back later for updates.
