Supplemental Info:

Ahead of the 2026 Minnesota State Fair (August 27–September 7), authorities have identified specific threats of violence from two rival Somali gangs, Muddy (Minneapolis-based) and The Ville (South Metro), who have advertised large-scale confrontations on social media.

In late July, investigators spotted Instagram posts promoting “THE BIGGEST BATTLE OF THE SUMMER” at the fair and “Muddy vs Ville,” signaling plans to settle scores and gain notoriety amid crowds expected to exceed 2 million.

There is a pattern of prior incidents: a 2024 shooting just outside the fairgrounds that wounded three people (linked to a Ville member, with 53 shell casings recovered); a large 2025 brawl near the Midway involving Ville members that caused large crowd panic; and additional violence at graduations, a coffee shop fight, and a Somali Independence Day event where Muddy members were stopped with handguns and hi-cap magazines.

Statement by Ramsey County Sheriff Bob Fletcher:
https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/2092260822537953497