As police investigate a possible threat involving the Hmong International Freedom Festival in St. Paul this weekend, the organizer says they’re working to ensure the sports tournament will be safe.

Police were notified Tuesday about a flier circulating that is raising concerns among community members. It refers to a 19-year-old man who was fatally shot at last year’s J4 tournament, mentions the rule of “eye for eye” and talks about hiding guns.

“This is an important event for the city and we want it safe for everyone,” said St. Paul Police Senior Cmdr. Shari Falkowski on Wednesday. “It appears that the threats are being made by a small group of people and we’re taking them very seriously. While we know that the vast majority of the people planning to attend the event are going to enjoy a great cultural experience with food, competition and fun, that’s why we’re not going to let a small group of people ruin it for everyone.”

The fliers were left on the windshields of about 10 vehicles at last weekend’s Hmongtown Festival in St. Paul and they have been making the rounds on social media, according to police.

Police are “doing everything we can to locate the people responsible and to try to find out what their intent was,” Falkowski said. She asked anyone with information to contact the St. Paul police department.

Peter Pha, CEO of the United Hmong Family Inc., gathered with police to speak publicly Wednesday because of the rumors going around on social media. He said they’re all working “to make sure that this event is safe and enjoyable.”

HEIGHTENED SECURITY ALREADY PLANNED

United Hmong Family, which hosts the event that draws 40,000 to 60,000 people to McMurray Fields, and police have been making security plans since last July.

The increased security comes after last year’s gathering, when a fight with umbrellas escalated to gunshots that killed Jacky Vue.

A gang member who was involved in the fight told police it occurred because the suspects were Asian Crips, and he and his group were Oroville Mono Boys, according to criminal complaints.

The legal documents didn’t spell out whether Vue was part of the initial fight. His family said last year they didn’t know why he was killed and his sister said he was not in a gang.

Nougai Xiong has pleaded not guilty to murder in the case and his trial is sentenced in September. His cousin, Yang Houa Xiong, pleading guilty to aiding an offender after the fact and is due to be scheduled in August.

In the past, trained volunteers checked the bags of people attending the tournament. At this year’s event, which is Saturday and Sunday, private security will be conducting bag checks as people arrive. Attendees should limit what they bring and be prepared for longer lines, Falkowski said.

“We’ve worked very hard with United Hmong Family to continue to make this a wonderful family event,” said St. Paul Police Cmdr. Sheila Lambie. “We have the security plan in place, we have a robust security set-up and the plan is to have people come here, know the lines are going to be longer than they were before, but that’s OK — it’s for safety and security.”

Police also “added some extra measures,” which they’re not publicly detailing, after the fliers came to light, Lambie said.

Pha said security is their priority and they want to welcome people to their fun, family event, which is the 39th annual.

Sarah Horner contributed to this report.