Boy 14, dead, another wounded in Michigan State Fair shooting in Novi

A 14-year-old boy was killed and another wounded in a shooting in a parking lot at the Michigan State Fair in Novi, officials say.

There was an “isolated incident” at the fair in Novi Saturday night that sent two people to the hospital where one person died, Novi police said in a post on X.

In a news release, the Novi Police Department said officers at the fair heard gunshots coming from a parking lot near Grand River Avenue, southwest of the Suburban Collection Showplace at around 10 p.m. Initially, first responders were told that it was an active shooter situation, which prompted a heavy police response, officials said, but they later concluded there was no shooter inside of the fairgrounds, according to a news release.

“Two 14-year old victims were shot. Both were transported to a hospital where one died from his injuries. The other is in stable condition,” the news release said.

Officials said an initial investigaion showed the two victims took an Uber rideshare from Farmington Hills to Detroit, before taking another Uber to the state fair. The shooting “may have stemmed from an argument throughout the week which occurred in other communities,” officials said.

No suspect has been identified or arrested yet, Novi police said.

Video posted on social media showed a chaotic scene as frightened fair-goers ran from the scene.

“I am angered by the senseless death of a 14 year old boy and the injuring of another,” US Rep. Debbie Dingell posted Sunday morning on X. “Once again a community wakes worried about its safety and is asking why. … Our thoughts are with the victims’ families. 14 is a child. One life gone before ever having the opportunity to reach his potential, and another scarred for life. Senseless, disturbing, and again we ask why.”

Novi police said there is no threat to the community, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The Michigan State Fair announced that it will continue to operate Sunday following the shooting, “with even further additional police presence and important adjustments to the closing hours and policies.”

The fair will be closing entry three hours earlier than usual, at 6 p.m., and closing down the fairgrounds at 7 p.m. on Sunday and Monday. State fair officials said any attendees under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to enter.

People who had purchased a ticket but no longer plan to attend can contact the Michigan State Fair.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Novi Police Department at 248-348-7100.

Amy Huschka contributed to this report.

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