A night at a popular Midwest state fair descended into chaos after a large group of young people became involved in violent clashes, with some also allegedly targeting police officers who moved in to restore order.
The disorder erupted at the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday at around 10 p.m., triggering a significant law enforcement response at Wisconsin State Fair Park, the well-known fairgrounds and exhibition venue in the Milwaukee-area suburb of West Allis.
Videos shared on social media captured a tense and chaotic scene, showing teenage boys and girls punching, kicking, tackling and shouting as fights broke out across the fairgrounds.
Footage appeared to show groups rushing toward other fair attendees and launching attacks in crowded areas between food vendors and amusement rides.
As people scrambled to get away from the violence, trash cans were knocked over and the festive fair atmosphere quickly turned into panic.
In one moment seen on video, a teenager dressed entirely in black appeared to clutch their face while lying on the ground in pain.
Another person was filmed crouched low with their hands over their head, seemingly trying to protect themselves as others continued to strike them.
One clip captured at least three separate fights unfolding in quick succession, as crowds surged toward each new confrontation, yelling and recording the violence on their phones.
Hoards of teens broke out in fights during the finald day of the Wisconsin State Fair on Sunday night
The brawls took place one after the other, as wild teenagers kicked, punched, screamed and dragged people
It is unclear what led to the pandemonium and if anyone was arrested.
The West Allis Police Department assisted officers with the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department at the scene, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.
Police officers were seen running over to the teenagers in footage, while others rode on horseback and tried to break up the fights.
At least one cop was punched in the face during the mayhem. No other injuries were reported, fair officials said. Gunfire was also not present at the scene, despite some social media reports stating otherwise.
Officials alerted each other about the scene in distressing dispatch audio.
‘They need some help at Spin City. Send anybody extra you have,’ an officer was heard saying, according to audio heard by 12 News.
Sunday was the final day of the fair. This year the event ran from August 6 to August 16.
After the chaos unfolded, Republican Wisconsin gubernatorial Rep. Tom Tiffany blamed Democrat nominee Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley for the fighting.
One person was seen covering their face and appeared to be in pain after a group ganged up on them at the event
At least one cop was punched in the face during the mayhem. No other injuries were reported, fair officials said. Gunfire was also not present at the scene, despite some social media reports stating otherwise
‘This is Milwaukee County under David Crowley. Crime. Chaos. At least one officer punched,’ Tiffany wrote on X.
‘Public safety starts with leadership, and Crowley’s leadership has failed Milwaukee County. Don’t let him fail Wisconsin.’
Jeff Wagner, a retired talk show radio host for WTMJ, also weighed in on the incident.
‘This is why we can’t have nice things. While details are still emerging, my guess is that it will turn out to be groups of out-of-control kids once again causing trouble as State Fair winds down,’ Wagner wrote.
Wisconsin State Fair officials also released a statement following the fights.
‘Sunday evening, near the close of the annual State Fair, Wisconsin State Fair Park Police, with the support of the Milwaukee and West Allis Police Departments, responded to disturbances on and around Wisconsin State Fair Park.
‘This included individuals attempting to gain unauthorized access to the Fair, as well as disturbances involving groups on the grounds. Law enforcement and security staff responded quickly as these incidents occurred,’ the fair said.
‘For 11 days, hundreds of thousands of guests came together for a safe and successful Wisconsin State Fair.
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 behavior is always unacceptable and is not what we expect or will tolerate at the Wisconsin State Fair Park.’
The Daily Mail contacted the West Allis Police Department and the Wisconsin State Fair Park Police Department for comment.
