12 people shot at Ohio festival, police launch search for suspects
The shooting left 12 people injured on Saturday afternoon. While police have launched a full investigation, the motive behind the attack remains unknown.
At least 12 people were shot after gunfire erupted near the Old West End Festival on Saturday evening, according to an Associated Press report. The festival is an annual two-day event in Toledo's historic district and is widely known for its live music and home tours.
Toledo Police initially responded to reports of a single shooting incident near the festival grounds. Upon arrival, officers discovered several other people suffering from gunshot wounds. All injured individuals were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Videos shared in the aftermath of the incident show panic gripping the area as gunfire erupted, sending crowds running for safety.
A detailed investigation has been launched to identify and locate the suspects. No motives or arrests have been announced at this time.
OFFICIALS EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERNS OVER THE INCIDENT
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Toledo City Council Member Theresa Morris both expressed deep concern over the violence.
"I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight," Governor DeWine said. "Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
"This tragedy is really weighing heavily on both the residents and those who visit and enjoy this festival year after year," Morris added. She also said that at least eight people sustained injuries in the incident.
FIREARM DISCARDED 50 FEET AWAY, SAID EYEWITNESS
Kevin Berry, a US Navy veteran with medical training, was sitting in the neighbourhood arboretum listening to live music when the gunfire erupted.
“Everybody hit the deck,” Berry said, recalling the sudden chaos.
When he looked up, he witnessed a firearm being discarded on the ground less than 50 feet away. Police officers already stationed at the festival responded to the scene immediately.
Utilising his medical background, Berry walked through the area to check for anyone requiring immediate medical assistance. He reported seeing at least five injured individuals with gunshot wounds.
“The people who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” Berry noted.
At least 12 people were shot after gunfire erupted near the Old West End Festival on Saturday evening, according to an Associated Press report. The festival is an annual two-day event in Toledo's historic district and is widely known for its live music and home tours.
Toledo Police initially responded to reports of a single shooting incident near the festival grounds. Upon arrival, officers discovered several other people suffering from gunshot wounds. All injured individuals were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Videos shared in the aftermath of the incident show panic gripping the area as gunfire erupted, sending crowds running for safety.
A detailed investigation has been launched to identify and locate the suspects. No motives or arrests have been announced at this time.
OFFICIALS EXPRESSED THEIR CONCERNS OVER THE INCIDENT
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Toledo City Council Member Theresa Morris both expressed deep concern over the violence.
"I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight," Governor DeWine said. "Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
"This tragedy is really weighing heavily on both the residents and those who visit and enjoy this festival year after year," Morris added. She also said that at least eight people sustained injuries in the incident.
FIREARM DISCARDED 50 FEET AWAY, SAID EYEWITNESS
Kevin Berry, a US Navy veteran with medical training, was sitting in the neighbourhood arboretum listening to live music when the gunfire erupted.
“Everybody hit the deck,” Berry said, recalling the sudden chaos.
When he looked up, he witnessed a firearm being discarded on the ground less than 50 feet away. Police officers already stationed at the festival responded to the scene immediately.
Utilising his medical background, Berry walked through the area to check for anyone requiring immediate medical assistance. He reported seeing at least five injured individuals with gunshot wounds.
“The people who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” Berry noted.
