06/07/2026
This weekend should have been about family, friends, graduations, birthdays, festivals, and the start of summer. Instead, our community was shaken by the tragic shooting at the Old West End Festival and the growing concerns about safety at public events across our city. Moments that are meant to bring neighbors together should never leave families fearing for their safety.
Our hearts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by the shooting at the Old West End Festival, as well as those affected by the frightening incident at OLPH. No family should have to attend a community celebration and worry about their safety.
We also want to express our sincere gratitude to the police officers, deputies, firefighters, paramedics, dispatchers, and all first responders who immediately stepped into action when our community needed them most. Their professionalism, courage, and commitment to serving others often go unnoticed until moments like these.
A special thank you to the Lucas County Sheriff’s Department for providing additional security at the Blessed Sacrament Festival this weekend. Thanks to the efforts of law enforcement, event organizers, volunteers, and community members, families were able to gather, celebrate, and enjoy the festival safely.
As a community, we must continue asking ourselves what more can be done. The violence we are seeing is unacceptable. Toledo is filled with good people, strong families, dedicated first responders, and neighborhoods that deserve to feel safe. We owe it to our children and future generations to work together toward solutions that bring hope, accountability, and peace to our city.
Please keep the victims, their families, and all of our first responders in your prayers.
❤️💙🚔🚒🚑
