Credited from: ABCNEWS
Early Sunday morning, a shooting occurred at an Airbnb rental home in Bath Township, Ohio, injuring nine individuals, including several juveniles. The incident took place during a birthday party that had been publicized on social media, attracting a large crowd of young attendees. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire shortly after midnight, leading to a swift response from local law enforcement and emergency services who provided lifesaving assistance to the injured, according to ABC News and CBS News.
Bath Township Police Chief Vito Sinopoli noted that the victims' ages range from 15 to 20, and while most were juveniles, it remains unclear how many sustained gunshot wounds. One individual was reported to have suffered a leg injury, possibly from a fall while attempting to escape the scene. Investigators are currently reviewing video footage and interviewing witnesses to identify the suspects, as no arrests have been made yet, according to India Times and ABC News.
The Airbnb rental was reportedly in violation of local zoning ordinances, which prohibit such short-term rentals. Sinopoli expressed disappointment that the community experienced such a violent incident, emphasizing the ongoing issue of youth safety at large gatherings. Akron Mayor Shammas Malik stated, "This kind of deadly behavior cannot be normalized," underscoring the need for accountability among those involved in acts of violence, as per CBS News and India Times.
In response to the shooting and as part of a broader initiative to curb party-related violence, Airbnb has suspended the property listing associated with the incident and removed the account of the individual who rented the home. The company stated it prohibits unauthorized gatherings and emphasized its commitment to cooperating with law enforcement in their investigation, highlighting that policies against parties have seen a decrease in reported issues since their implementation, according to ABC News and CBS News.