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Gunfire erupted Saturday near a busy street festival in Ohio, wounding at least 12 people and sending some eventgoers scrambling for cover while others rushed to help the victims.
No suspects were in custody hours afterward, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said, and officials urged people who were at the festival to come forward with any photos or videos on their phones for possible leads.
The shooting happened near the Old West End Festival, an annual gathering of live music and home tours.
Heffernan said it appeared that at least two people fired weapons and they were “probably shooting at each other.”
Two of the victims were in critical condition, Heffernan added. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most of them in their early 20s.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a statement. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Multiple videos posted to social media showed people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said it was difficult to get to the hospital due to closed roads and traffic from people leaving the festival, but emergency responders were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
Kevin Berry was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to live music with friends when he heard a handful of gunshots ring out.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
When Berry looked back up, he saw a gun being tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 meters) away from him. Officers who were already on site for the festival responded immediately.
Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, walked around looking for anyone who might need help and saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day celebration in Toledo’s historic district that includes live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping. Berry described it as the “kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival season.”
George Kral, safety director for the city, said officials were discussing with organizers whether it would continue through the weekend.
“This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo,” he said, “and it’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it.”
the_rev_28 on June 7th, 2026 at 03:24 UTC »
Trevor Deeters post from Deets's BBQ:
Today was too much. Today I had to physically toss young foolish kids off of my food truck as they pummeled each other in the face. Today I had to help a youn girl who gashed her eye open after being shoved into the serving counter of my food truck by other young girls that were beating each other behind her. Today I had to grab a 4 year old beautiful little blonde girl by her arms and pick her up, while her dad looked at me, not knowing who I even was, to prevent her from getting trampled while another round of young idiot kids began beating each other in front of my grill. Today I had women and children and someone’s grandma hiding inside, behind, and underneath my food truck to avoid being riddled with bullets. Today, with the help of my truck manager Tim, I had to help an 80 year old lady to her feet after she had been trampled by people literally running for their lives. She’s okay, and we decided to call her meemaw, forever a friend of ours now. Today I looked a middle aged lady in the eyes who had just been shot in the head, while a festival volunteer held pressure on the wound. I have no idea if she’s still living. We can only hope so. Today, I watched what I think was 6 individuals be wheeled out of the Arboretum on gurneys by paramedics while swarms of swat, police, and volunteers were rushing to clear the park. My goddamn wife and kids were considering hanging around here today. Thank goodness they didn’t.
What in the hell is wrong with people. Parents need to actually parent. These teens are absolutely vile creatures with no direction. If anybody is looking to attend the Old West End Festival, don’t. Stay home. Thankfully myself and my team are safe. Our neighbors and friends are all safe and accounted for.
ThatOneGuyCross on June 7th, 2026 at 00:41 UTC »
Left about 10 minutes before the shots. Up until that it was a pretty nice festival with lots of cool vendors and art. Sad to see the community’s hard work undone by a POS with a gun
SenatorDerpitydoo on June 6th, 2026 at 23:21 UTC »
Toledo person here, have a friend who was there when it happened. Supposedly two young group of kids were arguing and one of the kids pulled a gun out and just started shooting. Unfortunately this is pretty typical for the old west end.