LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WTVF) — The Kentucky State Fair closed early on Saturday night due to what Kentucky State Police called "suspicious activity."
The fair closed at 10 p.m. EST, but it announced that it would reopen and resume normal hours of activity on Sunday.
Investigators believe that a group at the fair caused panic by using noise-making devices to mislead others into thinking shots had been fired. KSP found no physical evidence that a weapon was actually discharged during the disruption, but the investigation remains ongoing.
Nine people were arrested Saturday night — eight by KSP and one by the Kentucky Fair Board Police. Three were adults and six were minors, all from Jefferson County.
Those arrested have been charged with disorderly conduct, menacing, possession of stolen property and possession of a handgun.
On Sunday at 12:50 p.m. EST, the Kentucky State Fair released a statement about the incident and investigation.
The Kentucky State Fair is a long-standing tradition of fun and togetherness for many families. It is unfortunate that a few individuals and poor decisions disrupted that. While we are not able to provide details on the police investigation, we are thankful no one was injured and appreciate the Kentucky State Police and our Fair Team members who quickly responded to this incident. Based on current information available, the Kentucky State Fair will continue with normal operations August 21, 2022.
KSP confirmed there were no reported injuries, and that there have been arrests with pending charges.
KSP Statement on Incident at Ky. State Fair (8/20/22) pic.twitter.com/bxqWQLwbzl
— KY State Police (@kystatepolice) August 21, 2022
According to the Kentucky State Fair website, around 9:20 p.m., police were first "made aware of a situation" in front of The Midway and immediately took action to investigate and secure the premises. The soft close at 10 p.m. was announced shortly after.
