At least 12 shot near Ohio festival, gunmen still at large

At least 12 people were shot Saturday when gunmen, possibly aiming for each other, opened fire near a summer festival in Toledo, Ohio, officials said.

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Gunfire erupted just after 5:30 p.m. near the Old West End Festival in Toledo by at least two shooters who were “probably shooting at each other,” Toledo Police Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said.

Two of the victims were in critical condition, and the shooters were still at large Saturday night, Heffernan said.

Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan, of the Toledo, Ohio, police department, provides details about a shooting that left at least 12 people wounded Saturday night. WDIV

The oldest victim is 61 and the youngest 14, police Lt. Dan Gerken said, noting most were in their early 20s.

There were several hundred people at the festival at the time, officials said. The annual festival is a beloved tradition in Toledo and features live music, food markets, a beer garden and events for kids.

Gerken stressed the investigation is still in its early stages and said authorities are talking to victims and witnesses and reviewing camera footage.

There were extra police officers on duty for the festival and a large number of off-duty officers working for the festival itself, Heffernan said, adding that “mobile security cameras” were also used.

“It’s just a shame when a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years,” he said.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was “deeply concerned” about the shooting.

“Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence,” he said on X. “[First lady] Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”

In a statement, the Old West End Association said Sunday’s festivities will be canceled.

“After discussion with festival organizers, law enforcement and the City of Toledo, we feel that it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue [the] festival,” the organization said.