Festival Horror: At Least 12 Shot As Hunt For Suspects Intensifies

At least 12 people were shot at an Ohio music festival on Saturday — and two suspects, according to local police, have not yet been apprehended.

The Old West End Festival, billed as a family-friendly event, came to a screeching halt when two suspects — believed to be shooting at each other — opened fire and sent bystanders fleeing in all directions. According to several reports, around sixteen shots were fired around 5:4o pm local time — and at least 12 people were shot.

Ohio State Rep. Josh Williams (R) shared video that showed the chaos unfolding on the scene.

What should have been a day to celebrate our community and enjoy family activities in Toledo’s Old West End was once again marred by senseless gun violence. Enough is enough. We need tougher penalties for violent offenders, which is exactly why Ohio must pass HB5. pic.twitter.com/k1msAtir5M

— Rep. Josh Williams (@JoshWilliamsOH) June 7, 2026

According to a CNN report, Toledo Police Deputy Chief Joe Heffernan said Saturday that authorities believe the shooting began as a dispute between the two suspects who were “probably shooting at each other,” neither of whom have yet been apprehended.

Police Lt. Dan Gerken spoke at a news conference on Saturday evening, saying that he’d spoken to the victims — who range in age from 14 to 61 — and that he believes the suspects can be found with some help from the local residents.

“If we get help from the community, it’ll be hopefully sooner than later. There’s kids out there that probably know more than all of us standing here,” he said.

Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told reporters that all of the victims in Saturday’s shooting were expected to survive, although two remain critical according to a report from The New York Post.

Festival organizers responded to the tragic turn of events in a Facebook post, ultimately announcing that the remainder of the festivities scheduled for Sunday, June 7, would be canceled.

“Too often we turn on the news and learn of a celebration somewhere that turns into a tragedy. Now, that news comes from our own neighborhood. We are heartbroken about those that were injured at the Old West End Festival. Many people want to know how we proceed from such a dark place,” the post read. “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 festival. Therefore, all festival events for Sunday June 7th are cancelled.”