At least 12 wounded in shooting near Ohio festival; suspects remain at large
At least 12 people were shot Saturday evening near a beloved summer festival in Toledo, Ohio, when gunmen opened fire in what authorities described as a possible exchange between two shooters. The incident unfolded just after 5:30 p.m. near the Old West End Festival, according to Toledo Police Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan, who said the shooters were "probably shooting at each other."
Two of the victims were listed in critical condition as of Saturday night, and the suspects remained at large, Heffernan confirmed. Police Lt. Dan Gerken provided a breakdown of the victims, noting the oldest was 61 and the youngest 14, with most in their early 20s.
The annual Old West End Festival, a cherished Toledo tradition featuring live music, food vendors, a beer garden, and children's activities, had drawn several hundred attendees when the gunfire erupted. Gerken stressed the investigation is still in its early stages, with detectives interviewing victims and witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage.
Security measures at the event included additional officers on duty for the festival as well as a large number of off-duty officers working the event itself, Heffernan said, adding that mobile security cameras were also deployed. Despite those precautions, the shooting pierced what was supposed to be a safe community gathering.
“It's just a shame when a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years,” Heffernan said.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine expressed deep concern over the violence, saying in a statement on X, “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.”
The Old West End Association announced Sunday's festivities would be canceled. “After discussion with festival organizers, law enforcement and the City of Toledo, we feel that it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue the festival,” the organization said, underscoring the emotional toll on the community, which now faces a fresh reckoning with gun violence during a time of heightened national concern over public safety at large gatherings.
With at least a dozen victims — including a teenager and a senior — the shooting adds to a troubling pattern of gunfire at summer events across the U.S. this year, reigniting debates about security gaps and the accessibility of firearms even in states with relatively strict gun laws. As Toledo police continue their manhunt, the city is left to process yet another violent disruption of a tradition meant to unite neighbors.
Originally reported by NBC News.