Two attackers opened fire near a well-known local festival in Ohio, United States, injuring at least 12 people. Among them, two are in critical condition. People fled in panic while police have not yet made any arrests.
The violent incident occurred around 17:37 local time on Saturday, 6 Jun 2024 GMT+7, near the venue of the "Old West End Festival," an annual celebration in Toledo's historic district, Ohio. Joseph Heffernan, deputy police chief of Toledo, revealed that initial investigations suggest a shootout between at least two parties who deliberately fired at each other, but stray bullets hit attendees.
The shooting left at least 12 injured, ranging in age from 14 to 61, mostly young adults in their early twenties. Two of the victims are in critical condition requiring close monitoring. A video circulating online captures chaotic scenes of hundreds running for cover amid multiple gunshots.
Kevin Berry, an eyewitness who was listening to live music with friends in a nearby park, said that as soon as the gunfire started, everyone dropped to the ground. When he looked up, he saw a firearm discarded about 15 meters away. Berry, a former Navy serviceman with medical training, rushed to provide first aid and found at least five people shot and lying scattered across the park.
Allison Armstrong, fire chief, said initial ambulance transport was difficult due to road closures and heavy traffic caused by crowds trying to flee the festival. However, rescue teams managed to get all injured to hospitals within an hour.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement expressing deep concern over the incident, saying, "Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence."
George Kral, director of Toledo's security department, urged all attendees to share photos or videos from their phones with authorities as crucial evidence likely exists among the public. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing several witnesses. While progress has been made, no suspects have been arrested. He lamented that this festival, one of Toledo’s proudest symbols, was marred by violence. The city is considering whether to cancel the remaining festival events on Sunday.
According to Gun Violence Archive, excluding this Toledo incident, the United States has experienced 171 mass shootings this year. A mass shooting is defined as an event where four or more people are injured or killed, not including the perpetrator.