MPD says threat against Mexican Fiesta not viable as celebrations get underway

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The 46th annual Mexican Fiesta at the Summerfest grounds got underway Friday afternoon.

As the celebrations begin, police are continuing to monitor the event after a threat was made against it.

On Friday, Milwaukee Police released the following statement:

"The Milwaukee Police Department is aware of a threat to a Mexican festival via social media. This threat has been thoroughly investigated and has not been identified as a viable threat to Milwaukee’s Mexican Fiesta at this time."

Leaders with Mexican Fiesta tell CBS 58 the person who made the threat was a 19-year-old man. They say the man was detained. Organizers expect more than 85,000 at the event over the weekend. They say safety has been and will always be a top priority.

"The festival has always taken pride of safety," Tamara Olivas with Mexican Fiesta said. "It's one of the main concerns of the foundation because we bring all of our families, it's not just the people that come and visit."

Mexican Fiesta runs through Sunday. More information on the event can be found on the Mexican Fiesta website.