Minnesota GOP Adds Security at State Fair Booth

The Republican Party of Minnesota has hired off-duty law-enforcement officers to provide security at its State Fair booth.

It is reportedly the first time the state party has taken that step. Republican officials cite heightened concerns about political violence and reports of a possible confrontation between rival gangs at the fair.

No specific threat directed at the Republican booth has been publicly identified.

The Minnesota D-F-L says it also uses security at party events but does not publicly discuss specific precautions. The party has called for expanded security funding for candidates from both parties.

Fairgoers are also passing through security screening and bag checks as part of the fair’s broader public-safety operation