Local leaders addresses mass shooting at Toledo festival

TOLEDO, Ohio (WTVG) - Local leaders are addressing the mass shooting at a Toledo festival on Saturday.

At least a dozen people were injured in a shooting at the Old West End Festival and police are looking for whoever is responsible. Two of them were in critical condition, police said.

Hear from Toledo Police officials, Toledo’s Director of Public Safety, the Toledo Fire and Rescue Chief and a council member in the attached video of a joint news conference held late Saturday night.

Read the statements from local politicians including Toledo’s mayor, Ohio’s governor and others below.

TOLEDO MAYOR WADE KAPSZUKIEWICZ

“Toledo has faced more adversity over the years than most cities, and our citizens always rally together and pull through. This will be no exception.

What happened today at the Old West End Festival, sadly, has happened in too many American cities. But we should never shrug our shoulders and accept it as the price of living in a free society. As a country, we must do better.

Toledo is resilient and will emerge stronger because of the unity we show in this moment—and because of the brave men and women of the Toledo Police Department and Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, whose swift actions today saved lives.

Let’s pray for them tonight as we also pray for the victims of this senseless shooting, our city and country." -Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz

CONGRESSWOMAN MARCY KAPTUR (D-TOLEDO)

“Our community is in pain tonight as a result of senseless gun violence in Toledo’s storied Old West End community. Let me express our gratitude to the Toledo Police and Fire Departments and all first responders for once again proving their courage and utter devotion to duty.

“Praying now for victims and our Old West End community — one of the most joyous and celebrated events in our region will endure. It will take time and work to restore comfort, security, and trust.

“As this tragic set of events settles in for our resilient community, I will coordinate with local, state, and federal officials who can help our community get the answers it desperately needs. Please keep Northwest Ohio and Toledo in your prayers tonight, as we seek healing and calm.” -Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur

OHIO GOVERNOR MIKE DEWINE (R)

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. 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." - Ohio Governor Mike DeWine

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