Journalism of Courage
At least nine people sustained injuries during a mass shootout at a large rental home in Bath Township, Ohio near Cleveland early on Sunday, where teenagers had gathered for a birthday party which was promoted on social media. Police said the scene was chaotic in the north-eastern Ohio as some people escaped from the scene and first responders performed life-saving measures, The Guardian reported.
The Bath Township Police Department said that during the early hours on Sunday, the community experienced a “tragic and senseless act of violence” during a birthday party taking place about 15 miles (24 km) north-west of Akron. Shots were fired around 12:15am as the party was mostly attended by teenagers.
It still remains unknown whether the nine victims received gunshot wounds or were injured through some other ways.
Bath Police Chief Vito Sinopoli, during a press conference said, “We can confirm that a large party was taking place at this location, which we’ve learned was advertised on various social media platforms, drawing a significant crowd,” ABC News reported. Police chief Sinopoli further added, “Our deepest sympathy goes out to the victims’ families and all those affected by this devastating incident.”
The incident was attended by police, emergency personnel and fire responders and the authorities said that all the injured victims were transported to local hospital for treatment and their condition is being monitored.
Sinopoli said the large home where the shootout took place had been rented out on Airbnb, which is ideally not allowed under the local zoning ordinances, as most of the people at the party were juveniles.
Defending its policies, Airbnb on Sunday said that it has suspended the property from listing and removed the account of the person who rented the property, adding that the company prohibits “unauthorized and disruptive gatherings,” The Guardian reported.
