At least 12 people were injured in Toledo in the midwestern US state of Ohio after a shooting broke out at a festival, sending some eventgoers scrambling for cover while others rushed to help the victims.
No suspects were in custody hours afterwards and the search for the perpetrators continues, according to Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan.
Officials urged people who were at the festival to come forward with any photos or videos on their phones for possible leads that could assist with arrest efforts.
The shooting happened near the Old West End Festival, an annual gathering of live music and home tours in Toledo.
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,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in a statement. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
Multiple videos circulating on social media showed people running amid the sound of gunshots and emergency officials tending to others who appeared wounded.
Local 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.
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. Residents often describe the event as the “kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival season.”
George Kral, safety director for the city, said officials were discussing with organisers whether the event would continue as planned 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.”
