Shooting outside Michigan State Fair in Novi kills 14-year-old boy, injures another

NOVI (WWJ) A 14-year-old boy was killed and another injured in a shooting in the parking lot outside of the Michigan State Fair in Novi, police said.

A suspect has not been identified.

In a statement on X, Michigan State Police said they were called to assist Novi Police with a shooting at the State Fair at the Suburban Collection Showplace, at Grand River and Beck, on Saturday (8/31) around 10:05 p.m.

Upon arrival, State Police learned of two victims who had been shot and one suspect.

State Police troopers brought K9 units and a helicopter. They worked with Novi Police—along with other local, state and county law enforcement— to establish a perimeter and “cleared the convention” without finding the suspect, State Police said.

Novi Police said the initial radio traffic suggested there was an active shooter, prompting a heavy police presence from several surrounding agencies. However, they learned upon arrival it was not not an active shooter situation, police said.

According to Novi Police; the shooting did not take place inside the fair, but in the parking lot southwest of the Suburban Collection Showplace.

Two 14-year-olds were shot. First responders rushed them to the hospital, where one of the boys died.

The other is in stable condition.

Novi Police said the boys had taken an Uber from Detroit to Farmington Hills, and a second Uber to the fair in Novi with some friends. The shooting apparently stemmed from an ongoing argument, police said.

Congresswoman Debbie Dingell wrote she was "angered" by the shooting, adding that she was in close contact with the Sheriff and the Mayor.

“14 is a child,” she in a statement on X. “One life gone before ever having the opportunity to reach his potential, and another scarred for life. Senseless, disturbing, and again we ask…why?”

Michigan State Fair officials are also offering their condolences.

“The entire Michigan State Fair family grieves for the loss of such a young life and for all of those affected,” they wrote in a statement on their website.

In the wake of the shooting, they announced they will be making changes to the State Fair including improving security measures and changing the closing time.

On Sunday and Monday; the State Fair will be closing its box office at 6:00 p.m. and closing the Fair Grounds at 7:00 p.m. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to enter the fair grounds.

They said the fair will also have increased police presence and weapons detections systems.

Anyone who wants a refund can contact the Michigan State Fair, if they have not already scanned their ticket.

According to Novi Police, there is “no threat to the community.”

If you have information regarding the incident, please contact the Novi Police Department at (248) 348-7100.

This is a developing story. Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 on air, online and on the Audacy app for the latest information.