A BUSY street festival in the United States descended into panic on Saturday after gunfire erupted near a crowded public event, leaving at least 12 people injured and forcing attendees to flee for safety as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Authorities said no suspects had been taken into custody hours after the incident, with police urging witnesses to submit any photos or video footage that could assist in identifying those responsible.
AP reported that the shooting occurred near the Old West End Festival, a well-known annual event in Toledo featuring live music, food vendors, and historic home tours.
Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said early indications suggested multiple shooters may have been involved.
“It appeared that at least two people fired weapons and they were probably shooting at each other,” he said.
Victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most believed to be in their early twenties. At least two individuals were reported to be in critical condition.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed concern over the incident and extended support to those affected.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” he said in a statement. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Video footage circulating on social media showed festivalgoers running in panic as gunshots rang out, while others attempted to assist the injured amid the unfolding chaos.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said emergency responders faced significant logistical challenges reaching hospitals due to road closures and heavy traffic as crowds fled the area. Despite this, all injured individuals were transported from the scene within an hour.
Witness Kevin Berry, who was attending the festival with friends, described the moment the shooting began while they were sitting in a neighbourhood arboretum listening to live music.
“Everybody hit the deck,” he said.
Berry said that when he looked up after the initial shots, he saw a firearm being discarded just metres away, while police already on site responded immediately.
A trained medical professional and former member of the US Navy, Berry said he moved through the area assisting victims.
“The folks who were hit were spread out around the arboretum area,” he said, adding that he observed at least five people with gunshot wounds.
The Old West End Festival is considered one of Toledo’s most prominent cultural events and traditionally marks the start of the city’s summer festival season.
City safety director George Kral said officials were in discussions with organisers about whether the event should continue through the weekend following the shooting.
“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 investigation remains ongoing as police continue to search for suspects and establish the sequence of events behind the shooting. - June 7, 2026
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