Two teens were shot after Public Square’s Christmas tree lighting Saturday night, according to Cleveland EMS.
A 15-year-old boy and a 13-year-old boy were both shot about an hour after the tree lighting, police said.
Around 8:43 p.m., officers patrolling the area were advised of a large group of juveniles fighting in Public Square. Police said the two that were shot were near the fights when it happened.
Both were transported to a nearby hospital, the 15-year-old in critical condition and the 13-year-old in stable condition, authorities said.
As of Sunday afternoon, the 15-year-old is in stable condition, and the 13-year-old has been released from the hospital, police said.
Two juveniles were taken into custody, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb said in a statement.
Video surveillance footage from Old Stone Church captured the moment the shooting happened:
Bibb released the following statement Sunday afternoon regarding the shooting.
Last night, what should have been an evening of celebration ended in tragedy when two juveniles were shot amid a large fight that broke out after Cleveland's annual tree lighting event on Public Square.
I am grateful to the officers of CDP for their fast and effective response. CDP quickly identified and took two juvenile suspects into custody, both of whom will be presented to the County Prosecutor’s Office. The two victims, ages 15 and 13, were taken to the hospital. One remains in serious condition; the other is stable.
I am both saddened and angered by this senseless violence. Enough is enough. It is time to break the cycle of violence and find better ways to resolve conflicts. Clevelanders deserve to feel safe, and we will continue to focus on and invest in safety each and every day through our RISE initiative and numerous programs that support youth, empower families and improve neighborhoods. Safety isn't just the concern of law enforcement; everyone has a role to play to ensure our public places are safe. This includes all of us, from government and police to residents, parents and caregivers. Report concerning activity. Know where your children are. Get involved with groups and organizations that promote neighborhood safety initiatives. A safer Cleveland takes all of us working together.
This investigation is ongoing, and CDP is providing me with regular briefings as it develops.
Downtown Cleveland, Inc. President and CEO Michael Deemer released the following statement:
Downtown Cleveland hosted a great celebration of the season in Public Square tonight, marred later by senseless violence. We are grateful for the rapid response of the Cleveland Division of Police. There are too many guns in our community and too little respect for life or authority. Our organization is committed to addressing both. There is absolutely no place for violence in Downtown Cleveland. Everyone should feel safe and be safe in Downtown Cleveland. The level of communication and interaction between CDP with Downtown stakeholders is at an all-time high. We will continue to work with our partners to enhance safety.
Council President Blaine A. Griffin also released a statement regarding Saturday night's shooting:
The annual Christmas tree lighting in Public Square tonight was attended by hundreds of families and individuals who came for the lights, the fireworks and the activities in and around the square. It was marred by a shooting more than an hour after the lighting, with two young men, 13 and 15 years old, being shot. Officers responded and provided first-aid. Both were transported to a hospital by Cleveland EMS and are reportedly in stable condition.
Cleveland police quickly arrested a suspect. The investigation is continuing. This crime impacted what otherwise was a beautiful evening in Cleveland’s Public Square. I’m deeply saddened by this but we will continue to be vigilant and hold those involved in this crime accountable. This does not define Cleveland.
The shooting is still under investigation, and this story will be updated as more information is learned.
