Multiple people shot near festival in Toledo, Ohio; manhunt for suspect underway

On Monday, Toledo police announced that all 12 victims of the mass shooting near the city’s annual Old West End Festival are now stable. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to apprehend those responsible for the violence.

Victims of the shooting, aged between 14 and 61, are reportedly recovering following the incident on Saturday. Investigators suspect that at least two gunmen were involved, possibly exchanging fire with each other. The police have yet to determine a motive, and no suspect descriptions have been released.

In a statement on social media, police expressed that they are making strides in the investigation, following several leads related to the shooting. “All 12 victims are reported to be in stable condition and continue to improve,” the department stated.

The Toledo Police Department has expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and assistance thus far, although no arrests have been made yet.

Police maintained a significant presence near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026, as they continued their search for those involved in the shooting. (WTOL)

Police encouraged anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to call or text Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111, adding that tipsters may remain anonymous.

The Toledo Police Department said officers responded around 5:37 p.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, close to the Old West End Festival.

Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, police said.

Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said during a news conference that investigators believe at least two gunmen were involved in the shooting.

“They were probably shooting at each other,” Heffernan said.

Heffernan lamented that the shooting disrupted a longtime community tradition.

Police officers work at the scene of a shooting near a festival in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026. (WTVG/AP)

“It’s just a shame, you know, a few people, for whatever reason, going through their heads, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years,” Heffernan said.

“We had the security in place, just so that something like this wouldn’t happen and unfortunately, best laid plans, it happened anyway,” he added.

Investigative Lt. Dan Gerken described the violence as unprecedented for the annual festival.

Police officers investigating shooting scene at Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum in Toledo

Police investigate a shooting where multiple people were shot at a community festival at Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026. (Paul Sancya/AP Photo)

“As far as violence, this is over the top,” Gerken said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was confident investigators would identify those responsible for what he described as a “senseless” crime.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” read the Republican governor’s post. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”

“Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime,” he added.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz also expressed confidence the city would recover from the violence.

“Toledo has faced more adversity over the years than most cities, and our citizens always rally together and pull through,” the mayor wrote on X. “This will be no exception.”

The mayor said Americans “should never shrug our shoulders” or accept such violence “as the price of living in a free society.”

“Toledo is resilient & it will emerge stronger because of the unity we show in this moment – and because of the brave men & women of @Toledo_PD & @ToledoFire, whose swift actions today saved lives. Let’s pray for them tonight as we also pray for our city and country,” he wrote.

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