Crime
21-Year-Old Luqmaan Cusmaan Killed in Shooting Near Alrahma Mosque in Columbus, Ohio
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Police have identified 21-year-old Luqmaan Cusmaan as the man who was fatally shot Monday afternoon, October 19, 2026, near Alrahma Mosque on Columbus’ Northeast Side.
According to an updated news release from the Columbus Division of Police, officers responded to a reported shooting at approximately 2:12 p.m. in the 2200 block of Albert Avenue, east of Westerville Road, also known as State Route 3.
Upon arrival, officers found Cusmaan suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel responded, but he was pronounced dead at the scene at approximately 2:19 p.m., police said.
The shooting occurred near Alrahma Mosque, located at 2205 Albert Avenue. According to information provided to a police dispatcher, a caller reported that a group of young males were firing guns outside the mosque.
Columbus police Sgt. James Fuqua said the shooting took place outside while a funeral service was being held inside the mosque. Fuqua clarified that the shooting was not an attack on the mosque and was not connected to the funeral, although the incident understandably caused concern among people inside the building.
Investigators believe the shooting occurred a few hundred feet from the mosque and may have originated near an apartment complex farther down the street. According to Fuqua, two groups of people were involved in the incident.
Police said several people were in the area before the shooting. Detectives are working to identify those individuals, determine what led to the confrontation and establish a possible motive.
Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances leading up to the gunfire or announced any arrests in the information provided.
Anyone with information about the fatal shooting is urged to contact the Columbus Division of Police Homicide Unit at 614-645-4730 or Central Ohio Crime Stoppers at 614-461-8477.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to determine what happened and identify those responsible.
Crime
17-Year-Old Javohn Pitts Critically Injured in Accidental Shooting During FaceTime Call in Elsmere, Kentucky
A 17-year-old teenager, identified as Javohn Pitts, remains in critical condition after being shot in the head during an incident involving a handgun at a residence in Elsmere, Kentucky, on Saturday. Police say the shooting appears to have occurred while two juveniles were showing the firearm to others during a FaceTime call.
The incident prompted an emergency response in Northern Kentucky and left the teenager with potentially life-threatening injuries. He was transported by helicopter to a Cincinnati hospital, where he continues to receive medical treatment.
According to the Elsmere Police Department, officers were dispatched to a reported shooting in the 100 block of Garvey Avenue early Saturday afternoon.
When first responders arrived, they found Javohn Pitts suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. Due to the seriousness of his injuries, emergency personnel arranged for him to be airlifted to University of Cincinnati Medical Center.
Pitts remains hospitalized in critical condition, according to the information provided by police. Authorities have not released further details about his medical condition or prognosis.
During their investigation, police recovered a 9mm handgun from the residence.
Investigators believe the shooting happened while Pitts and another juvenile, who was acquainted with him, were displaying the handgun to other people during a FaceTime call. At some point during the incident, the firearm discharged, striking Pitts in the head.
Although the incident is being described as an apparent accidental shooting, authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the discharge and the events leading up to it.
A juvenile suspect was subsequently arrested in connection with the incident. Police reported that the suspect was acquainted with Pitts and has been charged with second-degree assault with a deadly weapon.
Because the individual is a juvenile, authorities have not publicly released the suspect’s identity.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information about the incident may be released as authorities continue reviewing the evidence.
Police are asking anyone who may have information about the shooting to contact the Kenton County Emergency Communication Center at 859-356-3191 or the Elsmere Police Department at 859-474-4785.
Information from witnesses or anyone familiar with the circumstances may help investigators establish a clearer account of what happened inside the Garvey Avenue residence.
At just 17 years old, Javohn Pitts is facing a serious medical battle following the shooting. His critical condition has left those who care about him hoping for positive news as he receives treatment.
The incident is also a sobering reminder of the dangers associated with handling firearms, particularly when a weapon is displayed or handled without proper safety precautions. A firearm can discharge unexpectedly, with consequences that may permanently change lives.
As the investigation continues, thoughts remain with Javohn Pitts, his family, and everyone hoping for his recovery. May he receive the care and support he needs during this difficult time.