Ohio festival shooting injures at least five, suspect sought

A shooting at a festival in Toledo, Ohio, left at least five people injured, prompting a manhunt for the suspect(s). The incident occurred around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday near the Old West End Festival, a two-day celebration featuring live music, food, and shopping in Toledo's historic district.

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When I heard ‘everyone get back!’, everyone was falling, everyone was tripping, I couldn’t see what it was, I couldn’t see anything.

Police responded to reports of a shooting and confirmed multiple victims upon arrival. The injured were transported to nearby hospitals, though details about the severity of their injuries and the exact number of people shot have not yet been released. Social media footage captured over ten gunshots, with witnesses describing scenes of panic and chaos as people fled the area.

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Everyone hit the ground.

One witness told CNN that they heard an announcement to get back and saw people falling and stumbling, unable to see what was happening. Another nearby resident reported hearing a series of shots while listening to live music, causing everyone to hit the ground. This witness also reported seeing someone discard a weapon less than 15 meters away and observed at least five individuals with gunshot wounds.

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We are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.

Law enforcement has cordoned off the area at the intersection of Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, which hosted a music and food stall according to the festival's official page. The Mayor of Toledo, Wade Kapszukiewicz, stated that eight people are believed to have been shot, with all victims expected to survive. The Governor of Ohio, Mike DeWine, expressed confidence that law enforcement would apprehend the suspects, emphasizing that summer festivals should be safe spaces.

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Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to enjoy.