Prosecutor vows ‘swift’ justice in Toledo festival shooting as search for suspects continues

A search for suspects who wounded 12 people in a shooting in Toledo entered a third day on Monday as authorities in the Ohio city continued to piece together a timeline – and a prosecutor promised “justice will be swift and strong”.

All of the victims of Saturday’s attack at a downtown cultural festival, ranging in ages from 14 to 61, were in a stable condition late on Sunday, the Toledo police department said.

Detectives have not identified any suspects or made arrests. But they said more than one person opened fire during the Old West End festival, an event combining live music with tours of historic homes.

The deputy chief of police, Joe Heffernan, said at a press briefing on Sunday that it appeared that at least two people fired weapons – and were “probably shooting at each other”.

In a post on X on Sunday, the department said: “Investigators continue to make progress and are following multiple leads.” It encouraged anybody with information, or unseen footage related to the shooting, to come forward.

Videos posted to social media showed spectators scrambling for safety at the sound of gunfire and medical first responders treating victims against a backdrop of colorful tents and food trucks.

In a statement on Sunday, local county prosecutor said that the perpetrators would be caught.

“Justice will be swift and strong,” she said. “Those who were frightened, traumatized or harmed by this violence will remain at the forefront of our efforts.

“I’ve felt outrage before, but this is personal. This is my home. These are my friends and neighbors. It is not OK.”

Hundreds of people attended the two-day festival, a celebration in Toledo’s historic district featuring live music, food vendors, home tours and shopping. Located in north-west Ohio near the western edge of Lake Erie, Toledo is about 55 miles (90km) south-west of Detroit.

The second day of the festival on Sunday was canceled. Organizers said in a statement that “it would not be compassionate, responsible or possible” to continue.

One eyewitness, Kevin Berry, told reporters he saw a gun tossed to the ground close to him, and law enforcement reacted swiftly. He said he saw at least five people with gunshot wounds.

Police in Kansas City, Missouri, meanwhile, were continuing on Monday to investigate a shooting in which nine adults were wounded.