Ohio mass shooting: Conflict between rival groups sparks shooting that police say leaves 12 injured | Today’s news
A mass shooting that left at least 12 injured on June 6 at a summer festival in Ohio stemmed from “a dispute between two rival groups,” police said.
On Tuesday, Police Chief Michael Troendle said a dispute between rival groups led to a physical altercation that eventually escalated into a shooting, NBC News reported.
Here is what happened
Earlier on June 6, at least two gunmen opened fire just after 5:30 p.m. near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, police said over the weekend. A dozen people were injured, with the oldest victim reported to be 61 and the youngest 14, police Lt. Dan Gerken said, adding that most were in their 20s.
As of June 7, all 12 victims were in stable condition and improving and no arrests had been made, police said.
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Reports indicate that several hundred people were at the festival when the shots were heard. The annual festival is a popular tradition in Toledo and features live music, food markets, a beer garden and a children’s event. There were additional police officers on duty at the festival and a large number of off-duty officers working for the festival itself, Deputy Chief of Police Joseph Heffernan said at the time, adding that “mobile security cameras” were also used.
Heffernan added: “It’s just a shame when a few people, for whatever reason they can think of, decide to disrupt something that’s been a beloved community event for many, many, many years.”
Shortly after the June 6 incident, the Old West End Association announced in a statement that the festivities planned for June 7 would be canceled, adding, “After discussions with festival organizers, law enforcement and the city of Toledo, we believe it would not be compassionate, responsible or feasible to continue with the festival.”
What did the police uncover?
At a press conference on Tuesday, Troendle said: “While investigators believe some of the victims were intentionally targeted, it appears that the majority of those injured were innocent bystanders in this senseless act of violence.”
He added that detectives have continued to make inquiries since the incident and have “identified several persons of interest”. However, the gunmen believed to be responsible, according to police, are still at large.
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Troendle said two firearms allegedly connected to the shooting were also recovered from the scene and are being examined. “While there is still work to be done, I can tell you that investigators are continuing to make progress,” he said.
Ohio’s governor expresses concern
Shortly after the incident was reported, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he was “deeply troubled” by the shooting. In a post on X, he wrote, “Summer festivals should be a safe place where families can spend time together without fear of violence,” adding, “(First Lady) Fran and I are praying for everyone affected by the incident at the Old West End festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will find the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”
The Ohio incident was among at least two mass shootings reported across the United States over the weekend.
Nine injured in Kansas City
In a separate incident, nine adults were injured in a shooting in Kansas City, Missouri on June 6, according to police. Officers responding to reports of gunfire in an area about 10 miles south of downtown encountered a large crowd leaving the scene. Authorities said all victims suffered non-life-threatening injuries and no arrests have been made.
Shooting incidents are on the rise in the US, with the country seeing more than 170 mass shootings this year, according to data cited by the Gun Violence Archive.
