UPDATES | 9 injured in mass shooting at Riverfront Live in Cincinnati East End
Nine people were shot and are in stable condition after a mass shooting early Sunday at Riverfront Live in Cincinnati’s East End,. The attack, which began around 1 a. m., unfolded at a crowded event and has prompted an ongoing investigation into how guns entered a packed entertainment venue.
What happened at Riverfront Live
Dispatch received a 911 call around 1 a. m. reporting multiple shots fired inside Riverfront Live, a music venue on the 4300 block of Kellogg Avenue along the Ohio River near the intersection of Kellogg Avenue and Wilmer Avenue. At the time of the shooting, the venue was hosting a party that social media indicated began at 10 p. m. and featured several DJs as part of the DJ Fresh Birthday Celebration.
Victims, hospitals and condition updates
Nine people were shot and were transported to UC Medical Center or Good Samaritan Hospital. An earlier update from UC Medical Center noted one victim was in critical condition, but a later 2 p. m. media conference in the city stated there was no one listed as critical. Police leadership described all nine victims as in stable condition.
Scene details, eyewitnesses and nearby businesses
there were about 500–600 people at the event when shots rang out. Detail officers were positioned outside the venue when the shooting began. A band performing nearby at Murray's Tavern, Solid Gold Dancer, said band members were on a break between sets when they saw people running and heard commotion; many eventgoers sought shelter inside the tavern. Members Sam Steinher and Cam Welling said they initially did not realize the severity but then learned shots had been fired and that people were fleeing into the tavern to take cover.
Gage Skillman, owner of the boat repair shop adjacent to Riverfront Live, said he shut down his shop at the time and later reviewed security camera footage that captured a large group fleeing the venue and recorded screams and the sounds of gunfire. He described the footage as difficult to listen to.
Officials, investigation and agency assistance
Interim Police Chief Adam Hennie said investigators have not identified any suspects and have not released specifics about what led up to the shooting, how many guns were fired or the types of weapons involved. Detectives continue to interview victims and witnesses as part of an active investigation.
The Columbus branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is assisting the Cincinnati Police Department with the investigation.
Reactions from city leaders, event organizers and venue owner
City leaders present at an afternoon press conference described the incident as unacceptable and a result of senseless gun violence. The mayor called the event a dark moment for the community and emphasized that the shooting occurred where a large crowd had expected to enjoy their night peacefully. City management expressed heartbreak and urged responsible gun ownership, stressing that deadly weapons have no place in large crowds and entertainment venues.
