Brawls Preceded Minnesota State Fair Shooting: Police

MINNESOTA STATE FAIRGROUND — The Minnesota State Fair Police Department continues to search for the suspect involved in Saturday's shooting at the fair, which they said happened after brawls began in Midway.

Midway is where the thrill rides, roller coasters, and carnival games are located.

Just after 9 p.m. on Sept. 3, fights broke out in Midway and large groups of young people were running through the area, according to investigators. "At that time, mutual aid was requested from other law enforcement agencies who responded immediately," fair police said in a news release.

Just after 10 p.m., officers responded to a gunshot near the intersection of Carnes Avenue and Liggett Street in Midway.

Authorities found a man who was shot, and he was transported to the hospital by Saint Paul Fire medics for non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the shooting, the fairgrounds began closing early at about 10:20 p.m.

A video posted online by journalist Rebecca Brannon shows fairgoers fleeing shortly after a shot was fired and a man being tackled. Another video posted to Twitter shows a similar scene.

"Prior to the Sept. 3 incident, the Minnesota State Fair was prepared with a large presence of law enforcement officers at the Midway," fair police said. "We also had additional troopers staged on-site to bolster our perimeter."

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact john.engle@msfpd.org or the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Tip Line at (651) 793-7000.

Also read:

• Candidate Jensen Criticises Gov. Walz After MN State Fair Shooting
• Threat Level For Minnesota State Fair Deemed 'Low'