LOUISVILLE, Ky. (Aug. 21, 2022) – At approximately 9:20 p.m. on Aug. 20, 2022, Kentucky State Police (KSP) received an initial report of a disturbance in front of the Midway Area on the Kentucky State Fair grounds.
Subsequently, the Kentucky State Fair Board initiated a soft close of the fair out of an abundance of caution for event attendees. The initial investigation indicates that a group of individuals caused panic with noise-making devices, leading fair goers to believe shots has been fired. At this time, KSP investigators have found no physical evidence that a weapon was discharged during the disruption, but the investigation remains ongoing. Upon completion of the investigation, KSP will issue the final details.
Last night, KSP arrested eight individuals and the Kentucky Fair Board Police arrested one individual. Of those arrests, three were adults and six were minors. The individuals arrested all resided in Jefferson County. Charges include disorderly conduct, menacing, possession of stolen property and possession of a handgun.
In 2019, the Kentucky State Fair Board revised the attendance policy requiring fairgoers under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or guardian 21 years of age or older after 6:00pm EST. To enter all adults must show an ID at the gate. They also increased lighting throughout the fair grounds and law enforcement presence during peak hours.
The Kentucky State Fair is open under normal operations.
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