Another mass shooting broke out that same weekend at a birthday party in a rental home in Bath Township, Ohio. Consequently, nine individuals were injured. The incident occurred around 12:15 a.m. local time at a large property that had been rented through Airbnb. The meeting was widely advertised on social media, promising a large group made up largely of young people, mostly teenagers.
Approximately 75% of party guests were <18 y.o. Juveniles. Most victims of the shooting—perpetrators, as well as innocent bystanders—are juveniles or young adults. As of today, it’s unknown how critical their injuries are. According to witnesses, one man only injured his leg after falling, but not from gunfire. Local police are still conducting an active investigation into the shooting. Many of the neighborhoods that hosted social gatherings expressed safety concerns triggered by this particular incident.
Aside from the direct fallout of the shooting, the town’s policy in restricting short-term rentals has received a good amount of attention. Bath Township bans Airbnb rentals under the township’s local zoning ordinances. Police Chief Vito Sinopoli personally intervened with the owner to enforce this ban. This rental property had an extensive history of domestic violence. In 2017, the same kind of shooting from an Airbnb property ended with a victim suffering a permanent gunshot wound to the leg.
As of Sunday, the Gun Violence Archive counted at least 365 total mass shootings in the United States this year. This harrowing statistic underscores the insidious trend of gun violence. Airbnb has denounced the attacks.
“We are heartbroken by this senseless act of gun violence, and our thoughts are with the injured victims and all those affected by it.” – Airbnb
Despite this narrow victory, the Bath Township community is still reeling in the aftermath. They’re demanding accountability and transparency on public safety protections and enforcement of short-term rental regulations. As the local authorities work to solve the shooting, they’re working with those impacted by it.