At least 12 people were shot near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, on Saturday evening, June 6, 2026, when two individuals exchanged gunfire, according to Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan. The shooting, which occurred around 5:30 PM, sent attendees fleeing and left two victims in critical condition. No arrests have been made, and the festival was canceled.

12 wounded, two critical, and the youngest victim just 14

The ages of those struck by gunfire ranged from 14 to 61, with the majority in their early 20s, as reported by Deputy Chief Heffernan. Two victims remain in critical condition, he connfirmed. The violence unfolded near vendor booths, with witnesses describing scenes of panic and families diving for cover. Emergency responders treated the wounded on the ground, while others fled to safety.

Two suspects fired at each other — but who are they?

Heffernan stated that at least two individuals fired weapons, likely shooting at each other, but no suspects were in custody in the immediate aftermath. The Toledo Police Department has not released any descriptions of the shooters, and the motive remains unknown. authorities are urging festival attendees to share any photos or videos from their phones. “Every piece of information, no matter how small, could be crucial,” Heffernan emphasized, according to the source report.

Why organizers canceled the two-day festival after the shooting

The Old West End Festival, a two-day celebration featuring live music, home tours, and food vendors, was immediately canceled. Organizers announced: “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.” The decision came as a heavy blow to a community that had long cherished the event as the kick-off to Toledo’s summer festival seson, per the source.

Governor DeWine: ‘Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families’

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine released a statement expressing deep concern, emphasizing that summer festivals should be safe spaces for families. “It is just a shame a few people, for whatever reasons going through their head, decide to disrupt something that has been a beloved community event,” Heffernan said, echoing a broader dismay.. The incident adds to a growing list of mass shootings at public events across the United States, according to the report, prompting renewed debates on legislation and community vigilance. Candlelight vigils were organized Sunday evening, as soical media flooded with messages of solidarity and calls for action.