AKRON, Ohio — Reaction is coming in as Ohio politicians issue statements Sunday regarding the mass shooting in Akron where 25 people were shot in the area of Kelly Avenue and 8th Avenue, including one confirmed death of a 27-year-old man.
You can see statements throughout the story below, which we will update as more reactions come in...
US SEN. SHERROD BROWN
Posted on X: My thoughts are with the victims and those affected by the horrific shooting in Akron. My office has been in contact with local officials and we are continuing to monitor the situation. Grateful for the first responders who arrived on the scene quickly.
US SEN. J.D. VANCE
Posted on X: Terrible situation in Akron last night. Our team is monitoring the situation and our hearts go out to everyone affected by this terrible shooting. We’re praying for everyone involved and that the death toll doesn’t rise.
CONGRESSWOMAN SHONTEL BROWN (OH-11)
On this Sunday, my prayers are with those injured, their families, and everyone harmed and hurt by this horrendous event in Akron. Thank you to all the first responders and medical professionals for your work last night.
The pain of gun violence continues to be felt across Northeast Ohio and it’s sickening to see another mass shooting so close to home. People can’t live like this, fearful they won’t be safe at a block party, church, school or work. While we await more details on this shooting, it is abundantly clear we have a national problem – and have had one for decades.
We need comprehensive gun safety legislation to strengthen background checks, close loopholes that keep allowing dangerous individuals to purchase guns, ban assault weapons and high-capacity magazines and more. We’ve got to make sure the new Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which I voted for, is fully implemented, so we can crack down on gun trafficking, and we’ve got to provide more resources to local communities wracked by gun violence.
We can solve this problem and we owe it to our constituents to listen to the bipartisan majority that wants legislative action.
CONGRESSWOMAN EMILIA SYKES (OH-13)
I’m devastated to see this senseless act of violence in our Akron community. My heart and prayers are with the victims, their families, and our entire community who are attempting to make sense of a senseless act of violence. I’m grateful for the law enforcement officers who responded quickly to the scene, and I encourage anyone who may have any information to contact the authorities. Our community must work together to keep our neighborhoods safe from gun violence.
My office will continue to monitor this situation as we learn more about this tragedy and will assist as needed.
AKRON MAYOR SHAMMAS MALIK / POLICE CHIEF BRIAN HARDING
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. As with all acts of violence in our city, our hearts are with the victims and their loved ones.
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. This can be done anonymously.
Today, and in the days ahead, we will share more information about this horrific incident. 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.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Akron Police Department Detective Bureau at 330-375-2490 or 330-375-2Tip. Citizens may also provide anonymous information to any of the following:
The Summit County Crimestoppers, call 330-434-COPS.
Text TIPSCO with your tips to 274637.
Download the Akron PD app and submit information by texting Tips411 or by accessing the link on our website www.AkronCops.org.”
PREVIOUS DETAILS
Earlier Sunday morning, Akron police told 3News their officers responded to the scene shortly after midnight amid several calls of shots fired.
“Shortly after those calls came in, the call center received notifications from local hospitals that multiple persons were arriving in the emergency departments with gunshot wounds,” according to Akron police.
Initial reports from police said there were believed to be 27 total gunshot victims. The statement from Mayor Malik and Chief Harding, however, lowered that number to 25.
One firearm and several dozen casings have been recovered from the scene, police said.
Details surrounding any suspects connected to the shooting are unknown.