12 hurt, 2 critically after Ohio festival shooting
In the wake of a devastating shooting at a Toledo, Ohio street festival, Fox News’ Madison Scarpino provides a detailed account of the incident that left 12 individuals injured, including a 14-year-old and another person critically hurt. Eyewitnesses initially mistook the gunfire for fireworks, only to realize the severity of the situation as they witnessed chaos unfold, with people fleeing in search of safety. The Toledo police department is currently conducting an investigation and has called on the public to submit any photos or videos that might assist in identifying the multiple suspects who are still at large.
In a statement on Monday, the Toledo police announced that all 12 victims of the mass shooting, which took place near the annual Old West End Festival, are now in stable condition. Authorities remain committed to tracking down those responsible for this tragic event.
The victims, whose ages range from 14 to 61, are reportedly showing signs of improvement following the Saturday night shooting. Investigators suspect that at least two gunmen were involved, potentially exchanging fire with each other. As the investigation is still active, no suspects have been named, nor has a motive been established.
“Investigators are making progress and are pursuing multiple leads concerning the shooting near the Old West End Festival,” Toledo police stated via social media. “All 12 victims are currently in stable condition and continue to recover.”
The Toledo Police Department expressed gratitude for the public’s cooperation and support thus far. They also acknowledged that no arrests have yet been made, as the search for those responsible continues.
Police maintained a large presence near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026, while searching for suspects involved in a shooting. (WTOL)
Police encouraged anyone with information who has not yet spoken with investigators to call or text Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111, adding that tipsters may remain anonymous.
The Toledo Police Department said officers responded around 5:37 p.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting near Delaware Avenue and Glenwood Avenue, close to the Old West End Festival.
Upon arrival, officers discovered multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds, police said.
Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said during a news conference that investigators believe at least two gunmen were involved in the shooting.
“They were probably shooting at each other,” Heffernan said.
Heffernan lamented that the shooting disrupted a longtime community tradition.
Police officers work at the scene of a shooting near a festival in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026. (WTVG/AP)
“It’s just a shame, you know, a few people, for whatever reason, going through their heads, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event for many, many, many years,” Heffernan said.
“We had the security in place, just so that something like this wouldn’t happen and unfortunately, best laid plans, it happened anyway,” he added.
Investigative Lt. Dan Gerken described the violence as unprecedented for the annual festival.
Police investigate a shooting where multiple people were shot at a community festival at Agnes Reynolds Jackson Arboretum in Toledo, Ohio, on June 6, 2026. (Paul Sancya/AP Photo)
“As far as violence, this is over the top,” Gerken said.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said he was confident investigators would identify those responsible for what he described as a “senseless” crime.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” read the Republican governor’s post. “Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.”
“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,” he added.
Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz also expressed confidence the city would recover from the violence.
“Toledo has faced more adversity over the years than most cities, and our citizens always rally together and pull through,” the mayor wrote on X. “This will be no exception.”
The mayor said Americans “should never shrug our shoulders” or accept such violence “as the price of living in a free society.”
“Toledo is resilient & it will emerge stronger because of the unity we show in this moment – and because of the brave men & women of @Toledo_PD & @ToledoFire, whose swift actions today saved lives. Let’s pray for them tonight as we also pray for our city and country,” he wrote.
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