Authorities in Akron, Ohio, are seeking the assistance of the public in identifying the individuals responsible for a shooting that tragically resulted in the death of one man and left 24 others injured. The incident occurred during a crowded street party in the early hours of Sunday.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding stated during a news conference on Sunday evening that officers intervened in a birthday celebration attended by approximately 200 people. The event had spilled onto the street, resulting in complaints around 10 p.m. on Saturday. After initially dispersing the crowd, the party resumed, and shortly after midnight, the police station received reports of gunshots at the same location on Kelly Avenue in southeast Akron.
The violence that occurred resembled a drive-by shooting, as some individuals at the party retaliated by firing back, Harding mentioned. The authorities are still uncertain about the number of shooters or weapons involved, but they have managed to find two handguns and suspect that a rifle may have been used as well.
“The ground was scattered with empty shell casings, primarily from pistol-caliber bullets,” Harding observed.
The spokesperson did not disclose the identity of the individual who lost their life. However, they did mention that the deceased was a 27-year-old male. Additionally, they shared that two other victims are currently in critical condition. The injured individuals’ ages ranged from 19 to 43, with the majority being in their 30s.
According to the police, they received numerous 911 calls reporting the shooting incident. Additionally, several victims were transported to hospitals in private vehicles. It is worth mentioning that the police have been called to address multiple shooting incidents in the vicinity in recent months.
The police are urging witnesses to come forward with any information regarding the incident as there are currently no suspects in custody. According to Harding, up to 100 people witnessed the events unfold.
“We urge the community to share any information they may have about this tragic incident,” Harding emphasized. “We are concerned about potential retaliation and are actively working to prevent it. We rely on the support and assistance of the community.”
During the press conference, Mayor Shammas Malik expressed his commitment to holding accountable those responsible for the shooting, as well as anyone who seeks revenge in its aftermath. He also expressed his deep concern over the widespread use of violence as a method to resolve conflicts.
Malik expressed deep concern about the escalating level of violence not only in our community but also in communities nationwide. He emphasized the easy access to weapons and the alarming nonchalance with which some individuals wield them. What used to be resolved through a mere fistfight has now transformed into a tragic and fatal shooting incident. Malik stressed the urgency to hold those responsible for committing acts of violence accountable for their actions.
Gunfire erupts at Allegheny County, Pa., hookah bar
Allegheny County, Pennsylvania authorities are currently investigating a shooting incident that took place at the Ballers Hookah Lounge and Cigar Bar. Tragically, two individuals lost their lives in the incident, while seven others sustained injuries. The shooting occurred in the Penn Hills area, located east of Pittsburgh, at approximately 3 a.m. Some of the victims managed to walk to nearby hospitals for medical attention, and one person remains in critical condition. The police are actively working on gathering more information about the incident.
According to a statement from the Allegheny County police, initial reports suggest that there was a confrontation inside the bar, resulting in multiple individuals firing their weapons.
How many mass shootings have there been in 2024?
According to the Gun Violence Archive, the number of mass shootings in the U.S. this year has already surpassed 180. A mass shooting is defined as an incident with at least four victims who have been shot or killed, excluding the shooter. While this year’s figures are lower compared to previous years, the impact is still significant.
According to the archive’s definition, there were 655 national mass shootings in 2023, 644 in 2022, and 689 in 2021.
