MINNEAPOLIMEDIA NEWS | Minnesota Seeks Court Restrictions Against Two Groups Over Alleged State Fair Violence Plans

Attorney General Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi cite social-media material and previous confrontations in separate civil filings

ST. PAUL, MN (August 14, 2026) Minnesota and Ramsey County authorities are asking a court to impose restrictions intended to prevent possible violence involving two Twin Cities groups during the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.

Attorney General Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi filed separate civil actions targeting individuals authorities identify as members of the Ville and Muddy street gangs.

The filings allege that members of the groups have participated in earlier violent incidents and that recent social-media activity indicates a possible confrontation at this year’s fair.

The Minnesota State Fair is scheduled to run from August 27 through Labor Day, September 7.

Social-Media Post Cited in Filings

According to the civil filings, an Instagram post shared by a person authorities associate with the Ville group promoted what it called the “biggest battle of the summer.”

The material reportedly listed August 29 and referred to the Minnesota State Fair as the location. Authorities contend that the post identified rival groups and suggested a planned confrontation.

The allegations have not been established through final court findings. The people named in the cases retain the right to dispute the government’s evidence and challenge the requested restrictions.

Officials Point to Previous Incidents

The filings reference violence at or near previous State Fairs.

Authorities cite a shooting outside the fairgrounds on the final day of the 2024 fair and assaults and fights involving groups of young people during the 2025 event.

The government also points to a video that allegedly showed Ville members fighting with rivals near the Midway in 2025, causing nearby visitors to flee.

The filings connect members of the two groups to other incidents outside the State Fair, including gunfire following a Metropolitan State University graduation ceremony near Grand Casino Arena in Saint Paul and violence associated with a Burnsville High School graduation.

Those references form part of the government’s argument for preventive court intervention. They do not, by themselves, establish that every person named in the new civil actions committed a crime.

What the Requested Injunctions Would Do

If approved, the injunctions would establish a designated safety zone encompassing the Minnesota State Fairgrounds and surrounding areas.

Named individuals could face arrest for violating specific conditions, including associating with other identified group members inside the zone, engaging in intimidation or participating in prohibited conduct.

Civil gang injunctions are controversial because they seek to restrict conduct before a new crime occurs. Supporters describe them as preventive tools that can interrupt retaliation and protect crowded public spaces. Critics have raised concerns elsewhere about due process, selective enforcement and restrictions based on alleged associations.

Ellison and Choi said the evidence presented in the cases demonstrates an alarming escalation of threats connected to the State Fair. They also said court action must be accompanied by community-based violence intervention before and after the event.

Heightened Focus on Fair Safety

The Minnesota State Fair routinely attracts close to two million visitors over its 12-day run, making security planning a major undertaking involving State Fair Police and local, county and state agencies.

The current cases are civil proceedings and should not be confused with criminal prosecutions. The courts will determine whether the government has met the legal standard required for the requested injunctions.

Until a judge rules, the filings remain requests supported by allegations and evidence submitted by the Attorney General’s Office and Ramsey County.

The State Fair has not announced that the allegations will change its public schedule. Visitors should continue consulting official fair information for entry procedures, prohibited items, transportation and security updates.

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