A devastating incident unfolded in Cincinnati’s West End neighborhood on Friday night, as an 11-year-old boy lost his life and five others were injured in a shooting, as reported by local law enforcement. The shooting occurred around 9:20 p.m. ET, with police arriving on the scene following alerts from ShotSpotter, a gunfire detection system.
The young boy was declared dead at the scene, while three other victims were rushed to Children’s Hospital Medical Center. One of these individuals is currently battling life-threatening injuries. Two more victims were transported to University Hospital. The ages of the victims have not been released to the public.
Cincinnati Police Chief Teresa Theetge addressed the media following the incident, expressing her deep disappointment and vowing to bring the perpetrators to justice. Theetge emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that it was “absolutely unacceptable” for six people to be shot in a single incident, particularly on a Friday night.
Theetge assured the public that the homicide department is diligently working the scene to gather as much evidence as possible. The goal is to ensure that those responsible for this horrific act are held accountable for their actions.
The Cincinnati Police Department has scheduled a press briefing for Sunday at 2 p.m. ET to further discuss the incident. The briefing will provide an opportunity for the department to address the community’s concerns and provide updates on the ongoing investigation.
This tragic event underscores the ongoing issue of gun violence in the United States, particularly in urban areas. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of all citizens, especially children.