The Daily Populous Sunday June 2nd, 2024 evening edition
Authored by news5cleveland.com and submitted by Pontus_Pilates

The Akron Police Department is investigating an overnight shooting that left 25 people injured by gunfire, including a 27-year-old man who is dead.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Akron Police Chief Brian Harding issued the following joint statement about the shooting on Sunday morning:

"This morning, our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence. With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers. As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.

We will bring those responsible to justice, and we need the help of our community to do that. For those who have information about this horrific shooting – we need you to speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation. This can be done anonymously.

Today, and in the days ahead, we will share more information about this horrific incident. Our city government and our Akron Police Department will continue to prioritize public safety as our number one concern as we aim to end gun violence in our community."

The identity of the deceased has not been released.

According to authorities, it happened just after midnight near Kelly and 8th avenues.

Dispatchers received multiple 911 calls about numerous people being shot in the area, police said. Soon after, shooting victims started arriving at nearby hospitals.

Officers located dozens of bullet casings at the scene, as well as one gun, but no suspects were located.

Video captured by News 5 Photographer Mike Vielhaber shows police and 38 evidence markers on the ground.

Akron police processing evidence at overnight shooting scene

According to police, there was a street party happening in the area prior to the shooting.

Right now, we don't know if this was a mass shooting, a shootout, or what the circumstances surrounding it were. We are working to learn more.

A witness at the scene told News 5 there were hundreds of people at the party enjoying themselves before shots were fired.

"Everyone was wearing white T-shirts; there were women on top of vehicles dancing. It looked like a scene from a spring break movie. It looked like everyone was having a good time. On our way back it was a completely different scene," the witness said.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, they admitted seven patients to the hospital early Sunday morning. One of those patients is in critical condition. The hospital was under a hard lockdown from just after midnight until around 3:30 a.m.

Summa Health said its hospital received 15 patients this morning, 13 of whom had non-life-threatening injuries. Some of those individuals have already been released from the hospital. One person remains in critical condition.

News 5 Reporter Elizabeth VanMetre was at the hospital Sunday morning with an update.

"My heart is with Akron today. I’m incredibly frustrated to see another community in pain—especially one so close to home. No one deserves this violence or to live in fear. I am confident that every resource is being deployed to bring those responsible to justice. This is yet another reminder that we must never give up the fight to get guns off our streets and out of the hands of harmful actors. But, I hope we can move past the reminders and onto action to finally put a stop to the senseless violence plaguing our communities. I am grateful to the first responders who acted without hesitation last night in Akron. My prayers are with every family member and community member affected."

"We are horrified and devastated to learn of the tragic mass shooting that occurred in Akron, Ohio, in the early hours of this morning. Our hearts, love and support are with the individuals impacted by this horrific event. We also send our thoughts and prayers to their families, friends and the entire Akron community. These senseless acts of gun violence have no place in our community here in Northeast Ohio."

"My thoughts are with the victims and those affected by the horrific shooting in Akron. My office has been in contact with local officials and we are continuing to monitor the situation. Grateful for the first responders who arrived on the scene quickly."

"Terrible situation in Akron last night. Our team is monitoring the situation and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible shooting. We’re praying for everyone involved and that the death toll doesn’t rise."

"I’m devastated to see this senseless act of violence in our Akron community. My heart and prayers are with the victims, their families, and our entire community who are attempting to make sense of a senseless act of violence. I’m grateful for the law enforcement officers who responded quickly to the scene, and I encourage anyone who may have any information to contact the authorities. Our community must work together to keep our neighborhoods safe from gun violence. My office will continue to monitor this situation as we learn more about this tragedy and will assist as needed."

“On this Sunday, my prayers are with those injured, their families, and everyone harmed and hurt by this horrendous event in Akron. Thank you to all the first responders and medical professionals for your work last night.“The pain of gun violence continues to be felt across Northeast Ohio and it’s sickening to see another mass shooting so close to home. People can’t live like this, fearful they won’t be safe at a block party, church, school or work. While we await more details on this shooting, it is abundantly clear we have a national problem – and have had one for decades.“We need comprehensive gun safety legislation to strengthen background checks, close loopholes that keep allowing dangerous individuals to purchase guns, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and more. We’ve got to make sure the new Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which I voted for, is fully implemented, so we can crack down on gun trafficking, and we’ve got to provide more resources to local communities wracked by gun violence.“We can solve this problem and we owe it to our constituents to listen to the bipartisan majority that wants legislative action.”

Police ask for tips in the case

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact detectives at 330-375-2490 or Summit County Crime Stoppers at 330-434-COPS. You can also text your TIPSCO and a tip to 274637 or leave a tip online at the department's website by CLICKING HERE.

Editor's note: Police initially told us that there were 27 total victims, including the fatality. The news release from the mayor's office states the total number of victims is 25, including the person who died.

BrilliantMango on June 2nd, 2024 at 14:25 UTC »

Ah Akron. The Ohio of Ohio.

qwa56 on June 2nd, 2024 at 12:08 UTC »

“According to police, there was a street party happening in the area prior to the shooting.”

Hmmmmmmm.

eighthshot on June 2nd, 2024 at 10:09 UTC »

Probably one bad guy with a gun and 35 good guys with guns.