Twelve individuals sustained gunshot wounds when violence broke out Saturday during a community festival in Toledo, Ohio, sending attendees diving for safety while others rushed to assist the injured.
Hours following the incident, no arrests had been made, according to Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan. He indicated that it seemed at least two individuals discharged firearms and they were “probably shooting at each other.”
The violence occurred in proximity to the Old West End Festival, a yearly two-day event in Toledo’s historic neighborhood featuring live entertainment, food stands, house tours and retail opportunities.
Sunday’s festival activities were called off. Event organizers stated “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue.”
“We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival,” organizers expressed in a public statement.
Heffernan reported that two victims remained in critical condition. Those wounded ranged in age from 14 to 61 years old, with the majority being in their early twenties.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine stated. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Authorities requested that festival attendees share any photographs or video footage they may have captured.
Several clips shared on social platforms depicted people fleeing as gunfire could be heard, along with emergency personnel treating what appeared to be wounded individuals.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong noted that reaching the hospital proved challenging due to road closures and traffic from departing festival-goers, though emergency crews managed to transport all patients from the location within one hour.
Kevin Berry was seated in the neighborhood arboretum enjoying live performances with companions when he heard several gunshots.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry raised his head, he observed a firearm being discarded on the ground fewer than 50 feet away from his location. Officers already stationed at the festival for security responded right away.
Berry, who possesses medical experience and is a Navy veteran, moved through the area seeking anyone requiring assistance and observed at least five individuals with gunshot injuries.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
George Kral, the city’s safety director, described the Old West End Festival as among Toledo’s most celebrated events.
“And it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it,” Kral said.
