Twelve Shot, Two Critically, After Gunmen Exchange Fire at Toledo’s Old West End Festival; Suspects Flee, Manhunt Underway

Twelve people were shot Saturday evening during the Old West End Festival in Toledo, Ohio, after two gunmen opened fire on one another, Toledo police said. The shootings occurred at approximately 5:30–5:40 p.m. near the intersection of Glenwood and Delaware avenues in the city’s historic district where the annual family-friendly event was underway, featuring live music, food vendors and home tours.

Victims in the incident ranged in age from 14 to 61 years old, with the majority reported to be in their early 20s. Two people were critically wounded, police said, while the other ten were transported to local hospitals and are listed in stable condition. All victims were taken to area medical facilities for treatment.

At a Sunday morning press conference, Deputy Chief Joe Heffernan and Investigative Lt. Dan Gerken confirmed that the two suspected gunmen remain at large. Lt. Gerken described the violence as extraordinary, saying: “As far as violence, this is over the top.” Officials said their preliminary assessment indicates the two gunmen were shooting at each other before fleeing the festival on foot.

No arrests had been reported as of Sunday, and no suspect descriptions were available at that time. Police said a manhunt was underway and asked anyone with information to come forward to assist investigators. Authorities encouraged witnesses or anyone with footage to contact law enforcement to aid the investigation.

Graphic cellphone footage captured at the festival and shared on social media shows chaotic scenes and the moments when shots were fired. Witness videos circulating online recorded at least 16 shots, and posts from festivalgoers described panic and people rushing for cover as medics and police responded on scene.

Festival organizers issued a statement on Facebook responding to the shooting and announcing the cancellation of remaining events. The statement read in part: "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 discussions with law enforcement and the City of Toledo, organizers said they concluded it would not be “compassionate, responsible or possible to continue festival.” As a result, all festival events scheduled for Sunday, June 7th, were cancelled.

Local officials did not provide additional details about motives or a possible connection between the shooters and victims. Investigators continue to review video and witness accounts collected at the scene and are conducting follow-up inquiries across the neighborhood. The exchange of gunfire in a crowded, public festival setting has prompted heightened concern about public safety at community events and has led to calls for information from anyone who may have observed suspicious activity before or after the shootings.

As the investigation proceeds, Toledo police said they will release updates when more information becomes available. Meanwhile, the community and festival organizers are grappling with the immediate aftermath: injured residents hospitalized, an overnight manhunt, and the cancellation of a long-running event that draws families and visitors to the city’s historic district.