A shooting at a large birthday party in Akron, Ohio, early Sunday morning left 24 people injured and one dead, authorities said.
At a press conference Sunday evening, authorities did not reveal a motive and said no arrests had been made.
A 27-year-old man died. Two people remained in critical condition as of Sunday, Akron Police Chief Brian Harding said. Several victims were taken to the hospital. The victims ranged in age from 19 to 43, with most in their 30s, Harding said.
Authorities have asked witnesses to come forward.
“It is incumbent on anyone who may have witnessed anything to come forward to help bring those responsible to justice,” Chief Harding said.
Police responded to a home where a large birthday party was taking place around 10 p.m. Saturday. More than 200 people had spilled into the street amid reports of fireworks and noise pollution. Officers dispersed the crowd and no arrests were made, Harding said.
But the party resumed between 10pm and midnight, he said.
Police received reports of gunfire just after midnight, with authorities saying the scene was chaotic and dozens of people were injured.
Police seized more than 35 shell casings that appeared to be consistent with someone driving by and opening fire, the chief said, and authorities believe people at the party may have returned fire.
Two handguns were recovered, but police said it was unclear how many firearms were involved.
Harding said investigators have leads but no arrests have been made, and he said he has no information about how many shooters were involved or who specifically was targeted at the party.
Authorities said they were investigating the possibility the shooting was gang-related.
Akron Mayor Shamas Malik offered his condolences and called the death toll “shocking and deeply disturbing.”
He offered his condolences, saying his “heart goes out to the young man whose life was senselessly taken and to all those who were injured.”
Chief Harding said a team of detectives were working around the clock investigating the incident.
“We should all feel safe to party in this community,” he said. “Everyone should be able to gather with their friends and family.”