VIDEO: Seven Arrested After Wisconsin State Fair Brawls; Officer Punched in Face
Seven people were arrested after a series of fights broke out during the final night of the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis on Sunday evening.
The incidents unfolded near the end of the fair, including around Spin City, the ride area near the north entrance. Witnesses reported multiple fights, while dispatch audio pointed to a chaotic scene that required additional officers.
“They need some help at Spin City. Send anybody extra you have,” one officer was heard saying over the radio.
At least one police officer was punched in the face, according to an officer at the scene. The source report also described video showing people running from the disorder, including women and children.
By about 10 p.m., several officers on horseback were seen near the north entrance. Police from Wisconsin State Fair Park, Milwaukee and West Allis responded as disturbances continued around the fairgrounds.
Wisconsin State Fair officials said Monday afternoon that seven people had been arrested in connection with the incidents. They also said no serious injuries were reported among fairgoers. However, a member of the fair’s security team was injured. Officials did not provide details about that person’s condition.
Officials also pushed back on reports that gunshots were involved. In a statement, the Wisconsin State Fair said law enforcement confirmed there were no gunshots associated with the incidents at the fair.
The fair said the disturbances included attempts by some individuals to enter without authorization, along with group disturbances on the grounds. Law enforcement and security personnel responded quickly, according to the statement.
Fair officials stressed that the trouble happened during the final hours of an 11-day event that drew hundreds of thousands of guests. They described the incidents as isolated and said the behavior was unacceptable and not representative of the broader fair experience.
Security measures were increased throughout the event. Those resources included additional law enforcement support, mounted and bicycle patrols, drone coverage and Milwaukee police teams assigned to major events.
The Wisconsin State Fair said it would continue reviewing its security plans with law enforcement partners. Officials also thanked the fair’s police force and other agencies for responding Sunday night.
The arrests followed a disorderly end to what fair officials otherwise described as a safe and successful event. The investigation and any potential charges were not detailed in the source report.