Seven people were arrested after disturbances broke out near the close of the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis on Sunday night, according to Wisconsin State Fair officials cited by WISN 12 News.
WISN reported that witnesses described multiple fights late Sunday, and that at least one police officer was punched in the face, according to an officer at the scene.
Police Called for Help Near Ride Area
By about 10 p.m., WISN said its crew saw several officers on horseback at the fair’s north entrance near Spin City, the area with rides.
Dispatch audio obtained by the station captured a call for more officers near the rides. “They need some help at Spin City. Send anybody extra you have,” one officer could be heard saying, according to WISN.
Fair Officials: No Gunshots, No Serious Injuries to Fairgoers
In a statement released after the incident, Wisconsin State Fair officials said Wisconsin State Fair Park Police responded with support from the Milwaukee and West Allis police departments to disturbances “on and around Wisconsin State Fair Park.”
Officials said the incidents included people attempting to enter the fair without authorization, as well as disturbances involving groups already on the grounds.
“No serious injuries to Fairgoers were reported,” the statement said. Officials also said law enforcement confirmed there were “no gunshots associated with the incidents,” despite initial reports circulating Sunday night.
WISN reported that a member of the fair’s security team was injured, though officials did not provide details on that person’s condition.
Officials Defend Overall Fair Security
The fair statement described the Sunday night disturbances as isolated to the final hours of the 11-day event and said they were “not representative” of the broader fair experience.
Officials said enhanced security and additional law enforcement resources had been in place throughout the fair, including support from Milwaukee and West Allis police, mounted and bicycle patrols, Milwaukee Police Department resources, and drone coverage.
“The behavior is always unacceptable and is not what we expect or will tolerate at the Wisconsin State Fair Park,” the statement said.
