Tuesday night’s triple stabbing in minds of Stampede-goers, but their plans remain the same

New video has surfaced of a chaotic scene as the search continues for suspects who stabbed three teenagers on the Stampede Midway two nights ago.

A violent attack on the Calgary Stampede Midway was captured on video.

It was posted to social media, and now police believe it might be connected to Tuesday night’s triple stabbing.

The incident sent three badly injured teens to hospital.

While it weighs on many people’s minds, it isn’t changing their Stampede plans.

“It’s definitely scary, but I think there definitely was a lot of crowd,” said Calgarian Rubeen Randhawa.

“I did read about it, but it doesn’t deter me. I figure they’ve hit enough security that they know what they’re doing,” said Australian Brett Wortham.

Meanwhile, some guests say security seems more thorough than it was before the attack.

“I came three days ago, and it was much better. Like, they had much higher standards this time, and they were checking everyone properly rather than, like, ‘It’s OK,’ and letting them in,” said Calgarian Manny Tour.

Police are unsure how the weapon used in the stabbing got onto the grounds.

Officers are at every entry gate supporting Stampede security, who search belongings and screen attendees as they pass through metal detectors.

“They checked my bag, and we walked through the metal detector,” said Randhawa.

“They did make sure they had a thorough look at us all,” said Wortham.

“Quick pat down, but smooth. The people that are working do their job properly—they know what to do to make sure everyone in here is safe,” said Calgarian Karm Sandhu.

Growing attendance does raise concerns for some.

The day of the attack, a record-breaking 193,000 people came to the grounds—many for a popular concert on the outdoor stage.

“Maybe just keeping a better eye on things, and the crowds especially, I feel, can get out of hand sometimes,” said Randhawa.

A security expert says you need a balance to manage risks while preserving the stampede experience.

“Do you search, strip-search, everybody that comes in? Do you have cops every three feet? You know, it’s just, do you overpolice to the point that it’s not a fun event anymore, and people don’t want to go? So, you have to police according to what you believe is going to happen,” said Chris Lewis, CTV News public safety analyst.

Police are still investigating the attack, which they say was between two groups of people who knew each other.

Guests say they still feel safe and are focusing on the fun.

“Well, if I don’t have any problems with someone, why am I scared to come to Stampede, right?” said Tour.

“I mean, in a busy event like this, stuff is bound to happen, but as long as they’re taking proper precautions after that, then I’ll feel safe here,” said Sandhu.

Concerts, free entry and the weather are all factors that impact attendance.

And that impacts planning.

Calgary police put out messages ahead of Tuesday’s Don Toliver concert that they had teams ready for the expected large crowd.

Emergency crews did as well.

Private operator Aaron Paramedical had an extra eight to 10 staff on that night.

When the weather is cooler, like Thursday, they expect smaller crowds and fewer incidents and don’t bring in extra staff.