At least 12 people were injured in a shooting near a community festival in the US state of Ohio, prompting a police search for those responsible.
The incident occurred on Saturday near the Old West End Festival in Toledo, according to the Toledo Police Department.
Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire at about 5:37 p.m. local time near the festival grounds.
In an update, authorities said 10 of the victims were in stable condition, while two remained in critical condition.
Speaking on the incident, Toledo Deputy Police Chief Joe said preliminary investigations suggest the shooting involved two individuals.
“It appeared that two people fired weapons and they were probably shooting at each other,” he said, adding that the victims range in age from 16 to 61 years.
Earlier, Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz told local broadcaster WTOL 11 that all of the victims were expected to survive.
The Old West End Festival is a two-day annual event that celebrates one of the largest historic districts in the United States. Activities include live music, food vendors, shopping, house tours, and other community attractions.
Police said investigators are focusing on the area around Delaware Avenue and Robinwood Avenue, where festival activities were taking place.
Videos shared on social media appeared to show festival attendees running for safety as multiple gunshots rang out. Other footage showed emergency responders attending to injured individuals and transporting some victims on stretchers. The videos have not been independently verified.
Reacting to the incident, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine expressed concern and offered support to those affected.
“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Toledo tonight,” he said.
“Summer festivals should be safe spaces for families to spend time together without fear of violence. Fran and I are praying for everyone impacted by the incident at the Old West End Festival, and we are confident that law enforcement will locate the suspects involved in this senseless crime.”
Police have not announced any arrests and continue to search for the suspects.
