ORANGEBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Fair Association authorities say law enforcement is investigating a shooting that happened outside the annual Orangeburg County event on Saturday night, sending one person to the hospital.
The Orangeburg County Fair Association released a statement describing multiple incidents involving young visitors and disorderly conduct that led to a decision to shut down attractions and have patrons leave around 10:35 p.m. However, fair officials said that, while closing down the event, there was a report of gunfire in the parking lot.
The organization said law enforcement quickly detained a suspect, and they later learned that a victim arrived at the hospital with what they were told were not life-threatening injuries. Fair officials didn't comment further on the incident, citing an ongoing investigation, but offered their thoughts and prayers for those impacted.
A spokesperson for the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety said the shooting happened around 11 p.m., the suspect is a juvenile, and investigators are seeking warrants.
The organization also said, in part:
The Orangeburg County Fair Association is disappointed and outraged that anyone would choose to commit any acts of violence at a family-oriented event. The fair has prided itself on providing a safe, family-friendly environment for 113 years. The Board of Directors of the Orangeburg County Fair Association is reviewing this incident in depth to see if there are changes that should be made to further ensure the safety and well-being of our patrons, our staff, and our community.
The organization added that it had decided to open the fair on Sunday from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. due to the isolated nature of the incident and law enforcement's quick response.
