TOLEDO, Ohio – A sudden outbreak of gunfire shattered the atmosphere at a bustling street festival in Ohio on Saturday, injuring at least 12 individuals. The chaos left some attendees scrambling for safety while others rushed to aid the wounded.
As of several hours after the incident, no suspects had been detained, according to Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan of Toledo. Authorities have called upon festival-goers to share any photos or videos that could provide potential leads.
The violence unfolded in proximity to the Old West End Festival, an annual event featuring live music and home tours.
Heffernan indicated that preliminary investigations suggest the involvement of at least two gunmen, who seemingly engaged in a shootout with each other.
Among the injured, two victims remain in critical condition. The ages of those affected range from 14 to 61, with the majority being in their early 20s.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” expressed Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in a formal statement. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult to get to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Kevin Berry was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard a handful of gunshots ring out.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already on site for the festival responded immediately.
Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping. Berry described it as the “kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival season.”
George Kral, safety director for the city, said officials were discussing with organizers whether it would continue through the weekend.
“This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo,” he said, “and it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it.”
