12 injured in shooting near Ohio community festival

Chaos erupted near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, when a shooting incident left at least 12 people wounded. Police are urgently searching for suspects after gunfire sent festival-goers scrambling for safety.

Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan stated that two victims are in critical condition. He indicated that at least two individuals were involved in the shooting, suggesting they may have been firing at each other. The victims' ages span from 14 to 61, with the majority falling in their 20s.

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I am incredibly concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight. Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.

The incident occurred during the festival's second day, a popular annual event featuring live music, food vendors, and historical home tours. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation, collecting witness statements, interviewing victims, and reviewing surveillance footage.

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Everyone immediately dropped to the ground.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed deep concern over the violence, stating, "Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence." Videos circulating on social media depict panicked crowds fleeing amid the sound of gunshots, with emergency medical personnel attending to the injured.

Kevin Berry, who was with friends in a nearby garden enjoying the music, recounted hearing a series of shots. "Everyone immediately dropped to the ground," he said. Berry, who has medical training from his time in the U.S. Navy, assisted victims and reported seeing at least five people shot in the garden area.

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I saw at least five people shot scattered around the garden.