This image provided by News 5 Cleveland shows officers with the Akron Police Department investigating a shooting that occurred Sunday night in Akron, Ohio.
Mike Vielhaber/News 5 Cleveland, AP
hide title
Switch title
Mike Vielhaber/News 5 Cleveland, AP
A 27-year-old male A shooting occurred overnight at a birthday party, killing 24 people and injuring 24 others in Akron, Ohio, according to local police.
The Akron Police Department said it received reports of the shooting just after midnight Sunday morning. The shooting victims were transported to multiple local hospitals in the surrounding area. Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said at a news conference Sunday night that at least two of the victims were seriously injured.
The victims ranged in age from 19 to 43, with the majority in their 30s.
“My heart goes out to the young people whose lives were senselessly cut short and to all those who were injured,” Akron Mayor Shamas Malik said at a news conference on Sunday. “The number of victims is overwhelming. How shocking and deeply concerning.
“We know there is an epidemic of gun violence in this country and this is the latest in a long line of incidents we are seeing across the country,” Malik added.
Two handguns were found at the scene, but more weapons may have been involved, police said. Hardin said the evidence was consistent with a drive-by shooting and that people at the party may have returned fire. More than 35 shell casings were found at the scene. Police did not have a description of the vehicle.
Authorities said the investigation was in its preliminary stages and did not provide further details about the victim. Harding said no arrests have been made and police have no suspects.
The shooting occurred after Akron police responded to reports of a large gathering at the same location earlier Saturday.
When police first arrived, there were more than 200 people at the scene and the crowd spilled into the street. Police dispersed the crowd, the party began to break up, and the police left. Police said no arrests were made at the time.
Harding said people later returned to the scene between 10 p.m. and midnight.
“We are asking the community to come forward” with information about the shooting, the police chief said.
Emma Bowman and James Dubeke contributed reporting.
