US: At least 12 injured in gunfire exchange at Toledo festival in Ohio; manhunt underway

A shooting erupted near a community festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday evening, leaving at least 12 people injured, two of them critically. The violence broke out around 5:30 p.m. local time near the annual Old West End Festival, an event known for its live music and historic home tours.

Toledo Police officers responded to reports of a shooting and discovered multiple victims. Many of the injured have been transported to local medical facilities for treatment. The Toledo Police Department has stated they are actively searching for the suspect or suspects responsible for the gunfire.

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It appears as though there were at least two shooters. I think they were probably shooting at each other.

According to Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan, the shooting appears to have involved at least two individuals firing weapons at each other. The victims' ages range from 14 to 61, with a majority of those injured in their early twenties. While two individuals remain in critical condition, the others sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The sudden outbreak of violence caused panic among hundreds of festival-goers, who scrambled for safety as rapid gunfire echoed through the area. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed deep concern, stating that "Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence." Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz indicated that all shooting victims are expected to survive.

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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.