Posted on 06/07/2026 6:34:12 AM PDT by Red Badger
A summer festival in Toledo, Ohio, turned into a scene of chaos Saturday evening after gunfire erupted near the city’s Old West End Festival, leaving 12 people wounded and sending families and festivalgoers scrambling for cover.
The shooting happened around 5:37 p.m. near the annual neighborhood event, a popular two-day celebration known for live music, food vendors, shopping, and tours of historic homes. Police said officers arrived to find multiple victims suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two of the victims were listed in critical condition. Authorities said the wounded ranged in age from 14 to 61, with many of the victims reportedly in their early 20s.
Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan said investigators believe at least two people were involved in the shooting and were likely firing at each other. No suspects were in custody in the immediate aftermath, and police asked anyone who attended the festival to provide photos, videos, or other information that might help identify those responsible.
The gunfire triggered panic across the crowded festival area. Videos posted online showed people running as shots rang out, while emergency responders treated wounded attendees near the scene.
Fire Chief Allison Armstrong said road closures and traffic from people fleeing the area complicated efforts to get victims to hospitals, but emergency crews were able to transport all patients from the scene within an hour.
One witness, Navy veteran Kevin Berry, said he was sitting in the neighborhood arboretum listening to music when the shooting started. He said people immediately dropped to the ground, and after the gunfire stopped, he saw a gun tossed nearby. Berry, who has medical training, helped look for victims and said the wounded were spread throughout the area.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine responded to the shooting by saying he was “deeply concerned” about the violence in Toledo. He said summer festivals should be safe places for families to gather without fear.
The Old West End Festival is one of Toledo’s most recognizable community events and is considered by many locals to be the unofficial start of the city’s summer festival season. City officials and organizers were forced to evaluate whether the rest of the weekend’s events could continue after the shooting.
The attack marks yet another case of public violence spilling into a family-oriented community gathering, turning what was supposed to be a celebration of one of Toledo’s historic neighborhoods into a large-scale crime scene.
Police said the investigation remains active and urged witnesses to come forward as the search for the suspects continues.
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Gonna be the usual suspects?
now more than ever, i’m glad i just got a new .45 pcc
pew pew pew
Big crowd, no description of the perps.
I think Yogi can confirm.
“with many of the victims reportedly in their early 20s.”
There’s another clue.
“teens”
I don’t know where that festival was held. But if it was held on a bus line, it would probably be a place to avoid.
Side story: A shopping mall near me was doing well. Then the owner stupidly put a bus stop at one of the entrances. Crime of all kinds exploded there. The entire mall eventually closed down.
Folks want to blame Amazon for that. Well, okay. But that bus stop played a big part too.
Diversity is our strength.
I agree. Beachwood Ohio used to be exclusive and chi-chi.
Business put an end to all dat
One edge of Toledo’s Old West End is bordered by “Central Ave”. I was told once that when visiting a city I didn’t know, I should enter “Central Ave” and “MLK, Je Blvd” into my GPS and create a 4 mile danger zone.
The festival has posted:
“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.
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.”
And immediately below that?
“America. The way it’s supposed to be: Toledo’s Old West End.”
https://www.toledooldwestend.com/festival
The irony is overwhelming. Including this phrase “Many people want to know how we proceed from such a dark place.” Yep, many people yesterday wanted to proceed from that dark place ASAP!
Maybe we don’t need Yogi for the confirmation - YouTube will do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XITwjIRiocw
Found this review of the neighborhood on Reddit from someone who LOVES IT:
“Crime exists. I’ve had my truck stolen and taken on joy rides twice (recovered both times, once less than a block away), but that’s mostly just annoying. Had a bike that wasn’t locked up taken off my porch twice. One time a neighbor knew the kids who did it, told them to give it back, and it showed up again next day.
I like it here. Neat community is more important to me than some property annoyances. Every neighborhood is about finding a mix of what you like, and what you can accept. If you’re cool people, you should live here.”
btt
Just the price we citizens have to pay for diversity.
Undoubtedly it was Amish yutes…again!
Our son has been playing at musical festivals for decades. The ones I’ve gone to - you always have to pay (we didn’t but that’s another story) and wear your permit. Does anyone know about this one?
“Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine responded to the shooting by saying he was ‘deeply concerned’ about the violence in Toledo. He said summer festivals should be safe places for families to gather without fear.”
I’m old enough to remember when every INCH of America was a ‘safe place for families to gather.’
And I grew up on The Mean Streets of Milwaukeestan!
Looks like 100% blacks. Except for the cops I didn’t see any whites.
Gonna be the usual suspects?
They all look alike.
Enjoying summer festival days in any metropolitan area are long gone.
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