Security measures at public events are being discussed in light of the Harvest Homecoming shooting

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – As the communities of Corydon and New Albany still reel after the triple shooting at Harvest Homecoming Saturday night that left one dead and two injured, some are wondering what security measures look like at public events.

During a news conference Sunday, New Albany Police Chief Todd Bailey said there was adequate security during Harvest Homecoming, which led to a series of unfortunate events.

“Normally we will get through these events without even arresting anyone. We have a very pleasant audience, unfortunately at this particular event we had some who chose to come out and do what they did,” said Chief Bailey.

According to police, a fight broke out between two groups of people, which resulted in shots hitting the three innocent passers-by.

Some raise difficult questions, such as what could ensure people’s safety in the future.

“If there was a way to set up multiple access points that people would walk through and either have a metal detector or cover charge and the rides were free, then something like that would be something like that,” said Dan Hardesty, a New Albany business owner.

“Maybe you just need to get searched, have your bags searched,” said Rachel Burns, a New Albany business owner.

That may be easier said than done.

Former LMPD officer D’Shawn Johnson, who now advises organizations on dealing with security threats, said events like Harvest Homecoming are “low-threshold,” meaning there is no single point of entry and people can come and go as they please .

“In a situation like festivals, where it’s out of town, downtown where there are alleys, having that one entry point is a nightmare for whoever is running the festival,” Johnson said.

Johnson said before going to an event, it’s about being aware of your surroundings.

“You want to know where the exits are, you want to know where a large police force is, first aid.”

But there are things you can do if you find yourself at a low threshold event and things take a turn.

“You don’t do injustice or harm people by reporting something or saying something,” Johnson said.

In the wake of the weekend’s tragic events, while the people we spoke to have expressed some of these safety concerns, their thoughts are still focused on those affected firsthand.

“It’s a strong community and I think all of us would like to support each other and make it an event in the future where no one has to worry because we’re all in this together,” Hardesty said.

Police have not named any suspects in the case.

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