Kennywood reopens Friday after shooting last weekend
WEST MIFFLIN, Pa. (KDKA) — Kennywood welcomes back guests on Friday nearly a week after three people were shot at the park.
Police said an argument between two teenage groups is what prompted the shooting last Saturday night, when two 15-year-olds and a 39-year-old man were shot.
Since then, there have been questions about security at Kennywood and how a teenager was able to bring a gun inside the park. But earlier this week, the park announced some safety upgrades.
Kennywood said it is increasing its security presence by doubling the police presence. Perimeter enhancements, including new cameras and lighting, are also in place. A chaperone policy is being enforced, with anybody under 17 years old needing adult supervision. There also is a new bag policy and decorative facial coverings are limited, however, covid-19 masks are allowed.
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Some people said they're not sure how Kennywood will be able to enforce all of the new measures, and they won't be going back anytime soon.
Meanwhile, the shooter has not been identified, though police found a handgun that may have been used in the shooting. It was tracked to Columbus, Ohio, where it was allegedly stolen from a car last August.
The park opened at 6 p.m. on Friday for Phantom Fall Fest, though the crowd was lighter than last Saturday. Before the gates opened, spokesperson Gene Petriello said he was optimistic the park will see big crowds.
"We are very confident," Petriello said. "The safety of our guests and team members is our top priority. We had policies and procedures in place following the incident we took a full review of everything we've done put an extensive comprehensive security enhancement plan in place."
KDKA-TV saw long lines to get into Kennywood. One woman said that you can't live in fear.
"I feel very safe," Emily Little of Mt. Lebanon said. "Honestly, it could happen really anywhere, and we always had great respect for Kennywood. I've always felt safe here. They are diligent with their security."
A family from New Jersey who read about the shooting on the internet still came to the park on Friday.
"We did hear about the unfortunate situation," Lee Sharp said. "Security will be heightened, so it's actually more safe now."
Steve Hanechak of Monroeville brought his granddaughter to the park. He said he believes the new measures helped.
"It was very family-oriented tonight," he said. "I didn't see a bunch of kids running around separately. It was a very fun night for us."
Kennywood officials reported no problems on Friday.