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12 Injured in Toledo Shooting Near Old West End Festival; Suspects Still at Large
At 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 6 2026, the usual hum of live music and laughter at Toledo’s Old West End Festival was shattered by a burst of gunfire that left 12 people wounded and set the city on a frantic search for two missing suspects.
The historic district that hosts the festival’s two‑day celebration of live music, food vendors, and tours of restored homes was the scene of the shooting just minutes after the first bands began to play. Festival organizers had billed the event as the “kick‑off to Toledo’s summer festival season,” drawing residents and visitors into the neighborhood’s streets for a blend of culture and community. “This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo,” said Kevin Berry, a festival attendee who was listening to music in the arboretum when the gunfire erupted. “It’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it.”
Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan told reporters that at least two people fired weapons and that the shooters were “probably shooting at each other.” Heffernan added that 12 people were wounded, two of whom were in critical condition. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most in their early 20s. No fatalities were reported, and the police have not released any information about the identities or whereabouts of the suspects.
Emergency responders faced a congested scene. Fire Chief Allison Armstrong explained that closed roads and traffic from festival attendees made it difficult to reach the hospital, but that all patients were transported from the scene within an hour. A dispatch audio recording released overnight gives a clearer picture of the incident, and it is available on the video player on the news site. Witness Kevin Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, described hearing a handful of gunshots and seeing a gun tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 m) from him. He added that he saw at least five people with gunshot wounds spread around the arboretum area.
The shooting has drawn reactions from state officials. Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement saying, “I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight. Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.” Senator Jon Husted also posted a statement on social media, calling the incident “senseless violence” and expressing gratitude for law‑enforcement efforts. “Tina and I are praying for everyone impacted by the senseless violence in Toledo tonight,” Husted wrote. “We are grateful for law enforcement who acted quickly to protect Ohioans and are working to locate the suspects and bring them to justice.”
Police are urging anyone who attended the festival to come forward with any photos or videos that might provide leads. “If you have any footage that could help identify the suspects, please contact the Toledo Police Department,” the department said in a statement. The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.
At this time, the city has not announced any new developments in the investigation, and the festival remains canceled for the rest of its run. The shooting has highlighted the vulnerability of community events to gun violence, and officials are reviewing security protocols for future festivals. The manhunt for the two suspects continues, and the Toledo Police Department has not yet made any arrests. Investigators are also examining surveillance footage from nearby businesses to locate the shooters.
The historic district that hosts the festival’s two‑day celebration of live music, food vendors, and tours of restored homes was the scene of the shooting just minutes after the first bands began to play. Festival organizers had billed the event as the “kick‑off to Toledo’s summer festival season,” drawing residents and visitors into the neighborhood’s streets for a blend of culture and community. “This is one of the most iconic festivals in Toledo,” said Kevin Berry, a festival attendee who was listening to music in the arboretum when the gunfire erupted. “It’s a shame that something like this had to ruin it.”
Deputy Police Chief Joe Heffernan told reporters that at least two people fired weapons and that the shooters were “probably shooting at each other.” Heffernan added that 12 people were wounded, two of whom were in critical condition. The ages of the victims ranged from 14 to 61, with most in their early 20s. No fatalities were reported, and the police have not released any information about the identities or whereabouts of the suspects.
Emergency responders faced a congested scene. Fire Chief Allison Armstrong explained that closed roads and traffic from festival attendees made it difficult to reach the hospital, but that all patients were transported from the scene within an hour. A dispatch audio recording released overnight gives a clearer picture of the incident, and it is available on the video player on the news site. Witness Kevin Berry, who has medical training and served in the Navy, described hearing a handful of gunshots and seeing a gun tossed to the ground less than 50 feet (15 m) from him. He added that he saw at least five people with gunshot wounds spread around the arboretum area.
The shooting has drawn reactions from state officials. Governor Mike DeWine issued a statement saying, “I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight. Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence.” Senator Jon Husted also posted a statement on social media, calling the incident “senseless violence” and expressing gratitude for law‑enforcement efforts. “Tina and I are praying for everyone impacted by the senseless violence in Toledo tonight,” Husted wrote. “We are grateful for law enforcement who acted quickly to protect Ohioans and are working to locate the suspects and bring them to justice.”
Police are urging anyone who attended the festival to come forward with any photos or videos that might provide leads. “If you have any footage that could help identify the suspects, please contact the Toledo Police Department,” the department said in a statement. The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to review surveillance footage and interview witnesses.
At this time, the city has not announced any new developments in the investigation, and the festival remains canceled for the rest of its run. The shooting has highlighted the vulnerability of community events to gun violence, and officials are reviewing security protocols for future festivals. The manhunt for the two suspects continues, and the Toledo Police Department has not yet made any arrests. Investigators are also examining surveillance footage from nearby businesses to locate the shooters.
