WEST ALLIS, Wis. — Fights and disturbances brought a heavy police response to Wisconsin State Fair Park on the final night of the fair, ending with an injured officer and multiple arrests.
According to a statement from Wisconsin State Fair Park, the disturbances began when people attempted to gain unauthorized access to the fair, while other groups of people began fighting inside the fairgrounds near SpinCity on Aug. 16.
Videos posted on social media show police officers chasing after dozens of people as they tried to clear the area. Police said one officer was struck but was not seriously hurt.
Seven people were arrested in connection with the fights and disturbances, and no fairgoers reported serious injuries.
“The incidents Sunday evening were isolated to the final hours of the Fair and are not representative of the experience our guests enjoyed throughout the event,” the State Fair said in a statement.
Wisconsin State Fair Park Police confirmed there were no gunshots fired on Sunday evening, dispelling rumors circulating on social media.
The State Fair said it had additional law enforcement resources from Milwaukee and West Allis police departments throughout the fair, including support from Milwaukee Police District 3, MPD Major Events Response Team, mounted and bicycle patrols, and drone coverage.
“Those resources allowed our security and public safety teams to respond quickly Sunday evening,” a statement said. “We continually review our security plans with our law enforcement partners and look for ways to make the Fair even safer for our guests.”
