A mass shooting in Akron, Ohio, has left one person dead and at least 24 others injured. The incident occurred just after midnight local time near Kelly Street and 8th Avenue.
Local media reports indicated that officers found dozens of bullet casings and a gun at the scene.
The Akron Police Department has not made any arrests or identified any suspects, and an investigation is ongoing.
Akron’s mayor, Shammas Malik, announced a $22,500 reward for information leading to an arrest.
According to local media, the shooting took place during a birthday party with approximately 200 attendees.
An eyewitness described the scene to a local ABC affiliate: “Everyone was wearing white T-shirts; there were women on top of vehicles dancing. It looked like a scene from a spring break movie.”
The Akron Police Department confirmed that at least 25 people were shot, with one fatality identified as Lateris Cook, a 27-year-old father from Akron.
Authorities stated that many of the injuries were non-life-threatening, although some victims were in “more serious condition.”
Mayor Malik and Police Chief Brian Harding issued a joint statement on social media, pledging to “bring those responsible to justice” and describing the city’s distress: “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.”
They urged anyone with information to come forward anonymously, emphasizing the importance of preventing further violence and retaliation: “We need you to speak up in order to prevent further violence and retaliation.
Our city government and our Akron Police Department will continue to prioritize public safety as our number one concern as we aim to end gun violence in our community.”
Source-BBC
