At least 12 people were wounded when gunfire erupted Saturday near a busy street festival in Ohio. Some festival attendees scrambled for cover, while others quickly moved to assist those injured.
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said no suspects had been taken into custody hours after the incident. Police believe that at least two people fired firearms and that the shooting stemmed from a mutual exchange of gunfire.
The shooting occurred during the Old West End Festival, a two‑day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that features live music, food vendors, touring homes and shopping stalls.
Organizers announced Sunday’s remainder of the event would be cancelled, citing that it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue.
We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival, the festival’s spokesperson wrote.
Police noted two victims are in critical condition. The ages of the injured ranged from 14 to 61, with most in their early twenties.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong described traffic blockage from closed roads and visitors streaming out of the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Kevin Berry, who was enjoying live music in the neighborhood arboretum, heard gunshots and saw a gun tossed to the ground less than 50 feet away. Berry, with military medical background, found at least five people with gunshot wounds and reported on the spread of the incidents.
George Kral, Toledo’s safety director, noted the Old West End Festival is one of the city’s most iconic celebrations, lamenting that “something like this had to ruin it.”
Officials are urging anyone who attended the festival to come forward with photographs or videos that might help identify the shooters.
Multiple videos posted to social media show people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to the wounded.
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