2 arrested in shooting death of 19-year-old at Hmong Freedom Festival

A fatal shooting at a crowded festival in St. Paul's Como Park over the weekend led to two quick arrests and a lament by the City Council President Amy Brendmoen.

"The recklessness of people with guns these days — my God," Brendmoen, who lives a half-block from the park, said on Monday.

The festival is an event for families, she said, and it's "frustrating and disappointing."

The gunfire took place Sunday afternoon near concession stands and the park swimming pool during the Hmong Freedom Festival.

In its 38th year, the two-day cultural festival draws tens of thousands of people from around the world, and police report few problems.

Police identified the victim as Jacky G. Vue, 19, of St. Paul. They have not described a motive for the shooting.

The suspects were arrested nearby shortly after the incident, said police spokesman Steve Linders. A weapon has not been found, he said.

Linders said police received about 10 messages, including video of the aftermath. He asked anyone else with videos related to the shooting to contact police.

About 3:25 p.m. Saturday, a man walking outside the festival was assaulted by five men who jumped out of two cars. His brother ran toward the festival as the victim was punched several times. Police said it's unclear whether the assault and shooting are connected.

Linders said police work "closely with the organizers in the months and weeks prior to the event to make sure we're doing everything possible to make it as safe as possible."

Before the shooting, he added, police responded to two fights at the festival. Both were quickly broken up.

There were 23 off-duty police officers at the festival, Linders said. Also, security guards and volunteers checked festivalgoers' bags at the entrances.