Allegheny Co. D.A. Threatens To Keep Kennywood From Opening

PITTSBURGH, PA — Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala vowed Friday to block Kennywood's April 22 opening day if security measures developed by his office are not adopted.

Zappala said at a news conference that his office made safety recommendations to the park after last September's shooting there in which three people were injured. Two teenagers and a 39-year-old man were shot Sept. 24 near near the Musik Express ride during Kennywood's Phantom Fall Fest.

A 15-year-old initially was charged was charged with the shooting, but a judge dismissed the case.

Immediately after the shooting, Kennywood announced enhanced security measures at the park. They included doubling the number of police officers contracted through local law enforcement agencies, in addition to its own security team, for the remainder of the fall fest.

The measures obviously were inadequate to Zappala. He said he hopes to work with the park to get additional safety measures in place before the amusement park's opening and 125th anniversary celebration begins next month. If Kennywood fails to comply, Zappala said he will go to court to halt the opening.

Kennywood released the following statement following Zappala's new conference:

"The safety and security of our guests and team members is always our top priority.

"We are confident in our enhanced security procedures. We are looking forward to opening day on April 22 and the 125th Celebration. We fully support the investigation in any way possible. For questions regarding the investigation, contact law enforcement."