Akron, Ohio – City officials are appealing to the public for information regarding a shooting that wounded more than two dozen individuals early Sunday morning in Akron, Ohio. The tragic incident took place during a large birthday party, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old man and injuring 24 others.
Police responded to reports of gunshots and multiple individuals injured around midnight on Kelly Ave. and 8th Ave. According to a statement from the city’s mayor and police chief, the shooting occurred at a party that initially had over 200 attendees earlier in the night.
Akron Police Chief Brian Harding mentioned during a news conference that the scene was filled with spent shell casings, indicating that the shooting may have involved someone firing from a moving vehicle. Authorities discovered various shell casings from different firearms at the scene, suggesting multiple shooters.
Despite recovering two handguns from the scene, officials have not identified any suspect or vehicle involved in the shooting. They are urging community members with information to come forward to assist in the investigation.
The incident left a total of 25 victims, with two individuals in critical condition and some already treated and released from the hospital. The victims ranged from 19 to 43 years old, with most of them in their 30s. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik expressed shock and concern over the high number of victims and reiterated the city’s commitment to combating gun violence.
In response to the shooting, authorities are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect. Officials emphasized the option for individuals to provide information anonymously and assured that those involved in the shooting would face full accountability under the law.
This tragic event adds to the growing number of mass shootings in the United States in 2024, highlighting the ongoing issue of gun violence in the country. The community is encouraged to come together to support the authorities in bringing those responsible to justice and preventing further acts of violence.