By Evaristo Lara
A shooting during a community pageant in the city of Toledo, Ohio, left 12 people injuredtwo of them reported in critical condition.
During a conference, Joe Heffernan, deputy chief of the Toledo Police Department, announced that the violent event occurred when two people exchanged words and within seconds began shooting at each other. injuring several attendees of the Old College West Discontinue Festival, an event that offers live music, food markets, a beer garden and activities for children.
Dan Gerken, police lieutenant, indicated that the oldest victim is 61 years old and the youngest is 14.
Some videos shared on social networks show desperate people trying to find somewhere to shelter after hearing several gunshots.
Through a message shared on the X platform, formerly known as Twitter, Mike DeWine, governor of Ohio, acknowledged being baffled by what happened and asked the police of the city where the incident took place to find those responsible. as soon as possible.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation tonight in Toledo. Summer festivals should be safe places where families can spend time together without fear of violence. Fran and I pray for all those affected by the incident at the Old College West Discontinue Festival, and we trust that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime,” he wrote.
I’m deeply inquisitive in regards to the swearing in Toledo tonight. Summer season gala’s would possibly aloof be safe areas for households to spend time along with out scare of violence. Fran and I are praying for all people impacted by the incident on the Old college West Discontinue Festival, and we are assured that?
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) June 6, 2026
Given the seriousness of what happened, the Old College West Discontinue Association announced the cancellation of the festivities scheduled for this Sunday.
“After speaking with the organizers of the pageant, law enforcement and the city of Toledo, we considered that it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible to continue with the pageant,” indicates part of a statement.
So far, the police have not been able to find those responsible for the shooting and are reviewing recordings from cameras mounted near where the pageant was taking place.
According to the records of the civil organization Gun Violence Archive (GVA), so far this year, 170 mass shootings have occurred in the United States that have involved four or more victims without counting the attacker.
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