Topic overview
In brief
- Lawsuits were filed by the Ramsey County attorney and the Minnesota Attorney General to prevent rival gangs from gathering at the Minnesota State Fair.
- The Ville and Muddy gangs have a history of violent confrontations at the fair, including fights and shootings.
- Authorities aim to ensure public safety and prevent gang-related violence during the upcoming fair.
Summary
In Minnesota, the Ramsey County attorney and the Minnesota Attorney General took legal action on August 7, 2026, to prevent two rival gangs, The Ville and Muddy, from gathering at the Minnesota State Fair. This decision follows a history of violence involving these gangs at the fair, including fights and a shooting incident in previous years. The lawsuit highlights that members of The Ville and Muddy have engaged in violent confrontations at the fair, with notable incidents occurring in 2024 and 2025. The Ville gang has been particularly noted for using the fair as a platform to enhance their reputation and intimidate rivals.
The legal action is based on Minnesota's civil gang nuisance law, which allows authorities to impose restrictions to curb gang-related activities. The lawsuit seeks to prohibit gang members from associating with or intimidating each other within the fairgrounds. This move is part of a broader strategy by local authorities to address escalating gang violence, which has also been linked to incidents outside the fair, including shootings at local graduations. The Ramsey County attorney, John Choi, and Attorney General, Keith Ellison, expressed their commitment to preventing violence and ensuring public safety during the fair.