The search continued Sunday for gunmen who wounded 12 people near a summer festival in Toledo, Ohio, while apparently aiming for each other, officials said.
Police said Sunday that all 12 victims were in stable condition and were improving, and that no arrests have been made.
Gunfire erupted just after 5:30 p.m. Saturday near the Old West End Festival in Toledo from at least two shooters who were “probably shooting at each other,” Deputy Police Chief Joseph Heffernan said.
The oldest victim is 61 and the youngest is 14, police Lt. Dan Gerken said Saturday, noting most were in their early 20s.
He said authorities are talking to victims and witnesses and reviewing camera footage.
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.
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.
