CLEVELAND — Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb has released a statement following Saturday night's shooting in Cleveland Public Square.
The shooting happened at around 8:45 p.m., just hours after the Cleveland WinterLand tree lighting ceremony.
Cleveland EMS officials told 3News that a 13-year-old and 15-year-old were shot in Public Square and were taken to MetroHealth Medical Center. The 13-year-old victim is in stable condition and the 15-year-old victim is in serious condition.
Mayor Bibb's full statement, which was released on Sunday afternoon, can be read below:
"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."
Cleveland police officers, who were conducting foot patrol following the tree lighting ceremony, responded to a large group of juveniles who were actively fighting in Public Square. While responding to the fight, police located the two teenage gunshot wound victims.
Police arrested two juvenile suspects, whose identities have not yet been released, in connection to the incident.
At this time, Cleveland police are continuing to investigate the shooting.