25 Shot in US Mass Shooting

A street party in Akron, Ohio, turned tragic early Sunday when gunfire erupted, resulting in 25 people being shot, including one fatality.

Akron police Capt. Michael Miller reported that two of the 24 injured victims were in critical condition, though the remaining wounded did not sustain life-threatening injuries, according to The Associated Press.

No arrests have been made yet. Initially, police had reported 27 people were shot.

The deceased was a 27-year-old man, police stated. Victims were transported to various hospitals.

Authorities recovered a firearm and several dozen shell casings following the incident, which occurred shortly after midnight, as reported by WJW-TV.

WOIO-TV noted that the shootings happened at a large birthday celebration.

“We just heard like fireworks. I thought it was the Fourth of July. Then I seen cars and I seen everybody running. I was petrified. Petrified. I was scared for my life. I got kids. What if that would have been me?” witness Jehovah Jones shared with the outlet.

“We’re outside, enjoying ourselves, and the next thing you know, we’re running for our lives. That fast. A lot of people out there but there wasn’t no drama, no commotion, no fighting. Nothing. I don’t know why,” recounted witness Joyoux Payne.

Payne further described, “We were all just out here having fun, we’re all dancin’ everybody listening to music and next thing you know, the gunshots went off as we’re all dancing. As we’re all enjoying ourselves, there’s bullets are ringing out. How? Why? That fast.”

According to WEWS-TV, the party eventually spilled into the street.

“Everyone was wearing white T-shirts; there were women on top of vehicles dancing. It looked like a scene from a spring break movie. It looked like everyone was having a good time. On our way back it was a completely different scene,” an unnamed witness told the station.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and Akron Police Chief Brian Harding issued a joint statement, according to WOIO.

“This morning, our city is reeling after the devastation of senseless violence. With more than two dozen victims, the pain and trauma reverberates across all of Akron today as we search for answers,” the statement read.

“As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones,” the statement continued. “We will bring those responsible to justice, and we need the help of our community to do that.

“For those who have information about this horrific shooting – we need you to speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation.”