Columbia, SC (WLTX) – Richland County deputies are investigating the shooting of a 15-year-old at the South Carolina State Fair.
Officers say the incident happened around 8:20 p.m. Saturday inside the fairgrounds. According to investigators, the teen was hit by gunfire in the lower body , and was then taken to the hospital.
The severity of the injury is not yet known. Investigators say they do not have a lead on a suspect yet. Anyone with information on the shooter should call Crimestoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC.
Sheriff Leon Lott says the shooting was not gang-related.
People who arrived at the fair after the shooting were turned away at the gates, but the fair continued normal operations along the midway until its normal closing time. The fair’s official Twitter account says fair officials consulted with deputies before allowing the event to continue.
State Fair General Manager Gary Goodman told News19 the fair will reopen Sunday at noon as scheduled.
This is believed to be the first shooting at or near the fair since 2004, when three teenagers were wounded as they were leaving the event. One of those victims later died from his injuries. In the wake of that shooting, additional security measures were put in place, including metal detectors that were installed at all general admission gates.
