Minnesota officials file injunctions against gangs to protect State Fair

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Ramsey County Attorney John Choi have filed civil injunctions to prevent rival street gangs from engaging in planned violence at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.

The legal action targets the Ville and Muddy gangs following social media posts by an alleged Ville member promoting "the biggest battle of the summer" on August 29 at the fairgrounds. Prosecutors cited an escalation of threats, including previous brawls, assaults, and shootings linked to these groups at the fair and other regional events, such as a high school graduation.

If approved, the injunction would establish a "safety zone" encompassing the fairgrounds and surrounding transit and parking areas from August 27 through September 8. Within this zone, named gang members could face arrest for associating with other members or intimidating fairgoers, even without probable cause for specific violations. The filings seek to prohibit members from "associating, standing, sitting, walking, driving, bicycling, gathering or appearing" with rivals to mitigate the risk of public nuisance and violence.