RELATED: Columbus bar shooting highlights troubling trend
UPDATE @ 2:50 p.m.
None of the victims were able or willing to answer police questions about what happened early this morning when shots were fired inside the J&R Party Hall in Columbus.
Police are asking witnesses to step forward and help investigators.
Nine people were taken to get treatment at the Grant Medical Center and at the Ohio State University Hospital.
Those who were interviewed either did not see what happened or were not willing to cooperate, according to Columbus police.
Police released the identities of the victims: Sharda Hall, 25; Brooklyn Bradley, 20; Diamond Harris, 33; Corneicia M. Pruitt, 25; Kaadijah Travis, 23; Ja’Voughn Henderson, 22; Keante McGrew, 31; William Boswell, 27; and Jawaun McCrae, 20.
UPDATE @ 10:42 a.m.
U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) released a statement this morning as police in Columbus search for those responsible in the shooting that sent nine people to the hospital from a party hall event in the city’s north side.
“Connie and I join Ohioans in praying for the full recovery of everyone injured in last night’s shooting. Like many today, we will hug our family a little tighter after this devastating news and hope the families of the victims will be able to do the same very soon.
“We are grateful to the medical professionals caring for the injured as well as the police and first responders at the scene.”
The shooting comes on the heals of the March 26 mass shooting at the Cameo Night Club in Cincinnati, where 17 people were shot, including two fatally.
RELATED: Suspects in Cameo shooting face 230 years in prison
Brown referenced the Cincinnati shooting in his statement: “News of gun violence in our communities is always heartbreaking - especially on a weekend meant for celebrating with family, and so soon after last month’s nightclub shooting in Cincinnati. As always, my office will offer any assistance we can as law enforcement investigate.”
UPDATE @ 6:53 a.m.
A shooting at a Columbus party hall has left two people in critical condition, according to our Columbus news partner WBNS.
The two critically injured victims are at Ohio State University Medical Center, while seven other victims remain in stable condition at Grant Medical Center.
WBNS reports crews were called to J&R Party Hall in the 1700 block of Cleveland Avenue around 3:30 a.m.
We are working to learn the identities of those involved and the circumstances that led to the shooting.
MULTIPLE PEOPLE SHOT @AFTER-HOURS CLUB: Argument lead to 9 shot: 5 females/4 males. Minor to serious injuries. No suspect info. CPD:645-4141 pic.twitter.com/Kcjb0yoT64
— Columbus Ohio Police (@ColumbusPolice) April 16, 2017
EARLIER REPORT
At least 9 people have been taken to hospitals following a shooting in Columbus, according to our news partner WBNS.
The shooting reportedly took place around 3:30 a.m. on 18th and Cleveland Avenues.
WBNS reports seven people have been taken to Grant Medical Center and two people were transported to OSU Medical Center.
The severity of their injuries remain unknown at this time.
We will continue to monitor and update this developing story.
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