Sunday Night Shock: NYS Fair Forced to Close Early Amid Violent Reports!
The New York State Fair closed early Sunday night following reports of violence, according to officials. The decision to shut down the fairgrounds ahead of schedule was made “out of an abundance of caution,” as stated by fair spokesperson Sean Farnsworth. Farnsworth’s message was sent out around 9:40 p.m., alerting attendees and the public of the early closure.
New York State Police were called to the fairgrounds twice on Sunday evening for reports of possible gunshots. However, after a thorough investigation, no evidence of shots fired or injuries was found, according to Trooper Sgt. Jack Keller is a spokesperson for the agency.
The first call came in at 8:38 p.m., reporting an incident between the Midway and the Suburban Park stage. Just three minutes later, another call was received regarding a potential incident near the Eatery building.
Troopers quickly responded to both locations but found no signs of gunfire or any injured individuals. Despite the lack of confirmed violence, the situation caused significant alarm among attendees.
Troopers were seen rushing into the area near the Expo Center around 8:45 p.m. as a large crowd of people tried to leave, according to a reporter from syracuse.com who was on the scene.
The night’s events were further complicated by the ongoing performance of Grammy-nominated rapper Rick Ross, who began his concert at Suburban Park at 8 p.m. Unlike the fair, the concert was not cut short, and Ross completed his full set list, wrapping up around 9:20 p.m., as confirmed by another syracuse.com reporter present at the event.
On social media, fairgoers expressed feelings of fear and confusion. Many attendees sheltered in place while others rushed to the fairgrounds to pick up family members earlier than anticipated. Typically, the New York State Fair closes each day at 11 p.m., but Sunday’s early shutdown caught many by surprise.
Fair officials released a statement addressing the situation: “After consulting with law enforcement, the decision was made to close the fair early on Sunday night out of an abundance of caution after New York State Police received reports of violence within the fairgrounds. The Fair is continuing to work with law enforcement and emergency personnel to assess the situation.”
The statement emphasized that the safety of fairgoers, staff, and vendors remains the highest priority for the New York State Fair. Officials have assured the public that they are working closely with law enforcement to ensure a safe environment for everyone. As investigations continue, any further questions or concerns are being directed to the New York State Police.
Despite the unsettling reports, it was later confirmed that no actual violence had taken place, and the decision to close early was purely precautionary. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety and security measures at large public events.
The fair is expected to continue its scheduled activities in the coming days with enhanced vigilance from law enforcement and fair officials to ensure the well-being of all attendees.
The New York State Fair, known for its diverse attractions, concerts, and family-friendly activities, typically draws large crowds each year. Although Sunday’s events disrupted the fair’s usual operations, the quick response from law enforcement and fair officials helped manage the situation without any serious incidents.
Moving forward, fairgoers are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for updates on fair activities and any potential changes to the schedule.
The incident underscores the importance of being aware of emergency procedures when attending large public gatherings. For now, the fair continues to prioritize safety and aims to provide a secure and enjoyable experience for all visitors.