TOLEDO, (Ohio) June 7: A manhunt is underway for suspects after at least 12 people were shot, including two critically injured, near the Old West End Festival in Toledo on Saturday, Ohio authorities said.
The latest shooting comes as gun violence across the United States continues to raise concern among officials and communities nationwide.
The Toledo Police Department said 10 people are in stable condition, while two remain in critical condition.
Toledo Police Deputy Chief Joe Heffernan said there appeared to be two shooters who were “probably shooting at each other”, and neither is currently in custody.
Rapid bursts of gunfire sent festivalgoers fleeing in panic through the historic neighbourhood, with crowds screaming and running for cover between food trucks and golf carts, according to CNN reports.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz said all of the injured are expected to survive.
Police Lt. Dan Gerken said the victims were aged between 14 and 61 and urged residents to speak with their children if they may have witnessed the incident.
“There’s kids out there that probably know more than all of us standing here,” Gerken said, adding that community assistance could help speed up the investigation.
Officials said the mass shooting is one of at least 170 such incidents recorded in the United States so far this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive, highlighting a recurring pattern of violence at public gatherings.
City officials condemned the attack. “What happened today at the Old West End Festival, sadly, has happened in too many American cities,” Mayor Kapszukiewicz said. “But we should never accept it as the price of living in a free society.”
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine also condemned the shooting, calling it a “senseless crime” and expressing confidence that law enforcement will identify those responsible.
Police have cordoned off the area as investigators search for evidence and review video footage. Officials said additional officers had been deployed for the festival, including off-duty personnel working the event.
During a press briefing, authorities said they are relying heavily on video evidence and public assistance. “We are at the mercy of the evidence in the video that we’re collecting,” CNN quoted Lt. Gerken as saying.
City safety director George Kral urged residents to submit cellphone footage that could help identify suspects. “Please help us help you,” he said.
Toledo Fire Chief Allison Armstrong described it as a “large scene” with “over a dozen victims”.
The Old West End Festival describes itself as a two-day event celebrating one of the country’s largest historic districts, featuring live music, food markets, a beer garden, house tours and shopping.
Police said the investigation is focused on the area of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, where a music and food zone was located during the festival.
(UNI)
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