Schools. Stores. And now an amusement park.

Shots rang out during the Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood Park late Saturday, the result of “an altercation” between two groups of young men, according to Allegheny County Police Superintendent Christopher Kearns. During the fight, at least one person pulled out a gun. Three males were shot, two of them juveniles.

Hours before the chaos, guests who frequent the amusement park became concerned that security features were lacking from previous visits.

Those at the park at the time told police that bag checks were absent or not thorough, and that teenagers meant to be in the presence of adults were not monitored. According to park policy, guests under age 17 are required to have an adult over 21 present with them if entering the park after 4 p.m.

Witnesses told police some guests passed through a metal detector upon entering, but large crowds were routed around it. They also said they didn’t see staff checking bags as they entered the park. The park’s general manager refuted those statements, saying bag checks and video scanning were conducted.

Kennywood officials said safety protocols were in place, and a new state-of-the-art weapons detection system was installed at the start of this season and was operating Saturday.

In a press conference following the shooting, Kennywood general manager Mark Pauls said weapons detection was in effect during the Phantom Fall Fest and that the fence line was being patrolled by police and security. He also said park officials don’t know how the gun got into the park and won’t know until the investigation ends.

On Wednesday, the park announced that new security protocols will be put into effect.

They include: The number of police officers contracted through local law enforcement agencies for each night of Phantom Fall Fest has doubled; teams have cut down trees along the fence line bordering Route 837 to improve sight lines; new flood lights and security cameras are being installed for better monitoring; and ongoing security patrols in that area will increase significantly.

The new rules should help, but if as witnesses claim, existing procedures were not followed during the weekend, the shooting may have been prevented.

It’s unfortunate that in today’s society, a public shooting can occur anytime, anyplace. It’s also unfortunate that even though security measures may be in place at public events, if they are not enforced, an incident such as Saturday’s has a greater chance of occurring.

— JGG