No changes made to security policy at Kentucky State Fair after weekend shooting
No apparent changes to security measures will be put into place at the Kentucky State Fair in downtown Louisville after a weapon was accidentally discharged and a woman was shot over the weekend.
Kentucky State Police spokesperson said in an email Monday that "the Kentucky State Police, and other local law enforcement, will continue the mission of providing safety and security to all participants and visitors of the Kentucky State Fair."
Police officials did not respond to multiple requests from The Courier Journal requesting clarification or if any additional safety measures would be implemented following Saturday's shooting.
Visitors are allowed to carry weapons while at the fairgrounds, according to the state fair's policy, but they must be compliant with state and federal law.
Who was shot at the Kentucky State Fair?
According to an arrest citation, a detective with the Kentucky State Police responded after a reportedly loaded gun was discharged by 19-year-old Amari McClung and struck a woman in the foot at around 6:30 p.m. Saturday. Police said the weapon was “negligently discharged” and put fairgoers at risk of injury or death, according to court documents.
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McClung was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment and carrying a concealed deadly weapon, court records show.
What increased security measures have Kentucky State Police used before?
In past years, Kentucky State Police have taken security measures after unsafe circumstances arose. In 2022, after fair-goers feared a shooting, police implemented a "soft close." The organization made police presence more visible as well. KSP has also done public safety demonstrations at the fair.
Officials of the Kentucky State Fair have similarly set a precedent for responding to dangerous events. In 2019, the fair altered its entry requirements for minors, instating a 6 p.m. curfew for those under 21 without a parent or guardian, per previous reporting.
Kentucky State Fair spokesperson Ian Cox said that the venue is "constantly reviewing our safety and security plans with our agency partners" but that there are no "public-facing changes" for now. Cox did not immediately comment on what other agencies the venue partners with.
In the case of McClung, both state police and fair officials called the discharged weapon an "isolated" incident.
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Contact reporter Rae Johnson at RNJohnson@gannett.com. Follow them on Twitter at @RaeJ_33
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: No security changes at Kentucky State Fair after weekend shooting
