Security has been increased at the State Fair Meadowlands in East Rutherford Friday after state police made three arrests following reports of gunfire.
Fairgoers lined up outside the fair Friday night and told News 12 New Jersey that they were surprised to hear about the incidents, but that they were not worried to attend the fair.
State police say when they arrived at the fair around 11:30 p.m. Thursday, they found two men allegedly assaulting a third man in the parking lot. Police say that Matthew Smart, 33, and Lamir Bradley, 24, were arrested and charged with aggravated assault.
Another man, Robert Terry, 23, was also arrested and charged with aggravated assault and various weapons offenses. Police say it was Terry who fired off a gun, but that no one was hit.
The fair reopened normally Friday and day events like the famous pig races were held. Thousands of fairgoers crowded inside by the evening.
“We didn't even concern ourselves with [the arrests],” says fairgoer Ken Gathers. “Grime's so rampant it could happen anywhere.”
East Rutherford’s mayor tells News 12 that he could not remember any previous shooting at the fair, but said that incidents at MetLife stadium are fairly common.
Fair organizers say that the fair will continue as scheduled until July 9.