The Columbus police authorities ended the annual Juneteenth Festival in Franklin Park a day early yesterday after a child was shot during the celebration.
Police told WBNS-TV (Channel 10) that the victim, a 10-year-old boy who was in stable condition, was a bystander who was caught in the crossfire. He was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for treatment.Lt.
Bela Bernhardt said he decided to shut down the festival about 7 p.m. because he didn’t have enough officers to investigate the shooting while securing the Near East Side park. Four juveniles were arrested in fights before the shooting, he said.
As a result, Columbus police decided to keep the festival closed today.
“We’re not going to give them an opportunity for foolishness to continue,” Bernhardt said.An organizer for the planned three-day festival, which began Friday, declined to comment.
Vendors had mixed reaction to the decision. Some agreed with the police, citing safety concerns. Others, however, were disappointed.“You don’t have to let gangs and thugs distract from what’s happening in the city,” said Cohen Peace, who came from Youngstown to sell handmade jewelry.
Karen Terry arrived at the festival and was surprised to see people leaving and police surrounding the park. She was shocked to hear that an event honoring African-American Independence Day turned violent.
Juneteenth marks the day — June 19, 1865 — when news of the abolishment of slavery reached Galveston, Texas. “It’s a glorious celebration of our heritage,” said Terry, who lives on the East Side. “But when you hear a child was shot, it’s disheartening.”
Police told WBNS-TV (Channel 10) that the victim, a 10-year-old boy who was in stable condition, was a bystander who was caught in the crossfire. He was taken to Nationwide Children’s Hospital for treatment.Lt.
Bela Bernhardt said he decided to shut down the festival about 7 p.m. because he didn’t have enough officers to investigate the shooting while securing the Near East Side park. Four juveniles were arrested in fights before the shooting, he said.
As a result, Columbus police decided to keep the festival closed today.
“We’re not going to give them an opportunity for foolishness to continue,” Bernhardt said.An organizer for the planned three-day festival, which began Friday, declined to comment.
Vendors had mixed reaction to the decision. Some agreed with the police, citing safety concerns. Others, however, were disappointed.“You don’t have to let gangs and thugs distract from what’s happening in the city,” said Cohen Peace, who came from Youngstown to sell handmade jewelry.
Karen Terry arrived at the festival and was surprised to see people leaving and police surrounding the park. She was shocked to hear that an event honoring African-American Independence Day turned violent.
Juneteenth marks the day — June 19, 1865 — when news of the abolishment of slavery reached Galveston, Texas. “It’s a glorious celebration of our heritage,” said Terry, who lives on the East Side. “But when you hear a child was shot, it’s disheartening.”