Teenager Critically Injured in North Columbus Shooting
Columbus, Ohio – A 14-year-old boy is in critical condition following a shooting in Columbus’ Forest Park East neighborhood Saturday night, .
According to reports, Columbus police responded to a call near the Village Court Apartments around 1:50 a.m. Saturday. The teenager was transported to Nationwide Children’s Hospital with critical injuries.
The shooting occurred in the 1900 block of Lockbourne Road, as initially reported by WCMH. Details surrounding the incident remain limited as the investigation continues.
This incident adds to a growing number of shootings across the United States. Data compiled indicates a significant rise in firearm-related violence. As of this year, there have been 586 shootings resulting in 711 deaths and 2,375 injuries, according to available data.
Defining a “mass shooting” remains a complex issue, with varying criteria used by different organizations. The Gun Violence Archive defines a mass shooting as an incident where four or more people are shot, excluding the perpetrator(s), at a single location around the same time. The Congressional Research Service uses a definition of four or more fatalities. Other sources, like The Washington Post and Mother Jones, employ similar definitions, acknowledging that many shootings with fewer fatalities occur. The Mass Shooting Tracker project uses the most expansive definition, including the perpetrator in the count.
A 2019 study published in the journal Injury Epidemiology suggested the need for a standardized definition that considers both fatalities and non-fatal injuries to accurately reflect the impact of mass shootings on gun violence.
Police have not released information regarding potential suspects or motives in the Columbus shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
The incident underscores the ongoing concerns about youth violence and gun safety within the Columbus community and nationally. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
