In response to safety concerns raised by eight members of Akron City Council, the City of Akron has decided to call off all large weekend events. This decision comes in the wake of a tragic shooting on June 2nd, which left one person dead and 28 others injured at a birthday party in the city.

Akron Mayor Shammas Malik released a statement on Friday afternoon announcing the cancellation of "large gatherings on city-owned property this weekend due to concerns raised by members of Akron City Council." This action was taken after the council members sent a letter to Mayor Malik expressing their worries.

The council members emphasized the profound impact that the June 2nd shooting had on the community and stressed that allowing city-sanctioned gatherings so soon after the tragedy would be irresponsible. They highlighted the recent violence that erupted at the funeral of the shooting victim as a reason to cancel these events. The council members expressed concerns that tensions are still high, people are grieving, and the shooter remains at large. They feared that large gatherings could potentially set the stage for copycat or retaliatory shootings.

The letter, signed by council members Margo Sommerville, Johnnie Hannah, Jeff Fusco, Brad McKitrick, Sharon Connor, Sam DeShazior, Phil Lombardo, and Jan Davis, emphasized the need to avoid a repeat occurrence. The council members argued that canceling the events would be a necessary step in ensuring the safety and well-being of the community.

Mayor Malik, speaking at a press conference on Friday night, acknowledged the frustration and disappointment that the cancellation may cause for organizers, vendors, and attendees. He affirmed that he took the council members' concerns seriously due to his own experience as a former councilman.

The City of Akron has announced that it will still sponsor a Juneteenth celebration at the John S. Knight Center on Wednesday. The city is inviting all organizers and vendors who were originally planning community events to be a part of the city's event. More details about the celebration will be provided in the coming days.

Initially, the council members requested only the cancellation of Juneteenth events. However, Mayor Malik felt it would be unfair to single out specific events and instead decided to cancel all events scheduled on city-owned property.

As a result of this decision, Rock the Lock at Lock 3 Park and Concert, as well as Water Tower Market at Triangle Park, have been canceled for the weekend.

The City of Akron has stated that there is no credible threat to these events. Still, Mayor Malik emphasized that when eight council members express concerns about safety, it is prudent to cancel all events, regardless of the nature of the event.

The cancellation of these weekend events reflects the city's commitment to prioritizing the safety and well-being of its residents in light of recent tragic events.