Toronto: A shooting that erupted at a street festival in the Canadian city of Toronto left two people dead and six others wounded on Saturday, triggering a major police response and a search for the gunman, officials said.
Police said they received calls about an active shooter on St. Clair Avenue at about 8:12 pm local time. When officers reached the scene, they found six people suffering from gunshot wounds, while two others were declared dead at the location, as reported by DNA.
Manhunt Under Way
The suspected shooter or shooters fled before police arrived at the scene and remain at large. The area has been sealed off, and authorities have urged people to stay clear of the neighbourhood as the investigation continues amid a heavy police presence.
Toronto police said Deputy Chief Frank Barredo was scheduled to address reporters at the command post at St. Clair Avenue at 10:45 pm local
time.
“CURRENT INFO: 6 people located w/gunshot wounds. 2 people pronounced deceased. Police remain o/s. Suspect(s) still outstanding. More information to follow,” police said.
Festival Scene
The shooting took place during the annual Salsa on St Clair Latin Festival, a popular community event celebrating Latin culture with music, dance and food. The festival was in its 22nd year and took place along St. Clair Avenue, a busy midtown Toronto street lined with shops and restaurants.
Political Reaction
Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre expressed grief over the deaths and called for those responsible to be brought to justice.
In a post on X, Poilievre said, “Shocked to hear of the shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival in Toronto. Our prayers are with the families of the two individuals who passed away, and we hope for a full recovery for those injured. May the police find the monster responsible for this innocent loss of life and bring them to justice.”
Leslie Church, a Member of Parliament, said she was “horrified” by the violence.
In a post on X, she said, “Horrified by the violence in our community at the Salsa on St. Clair festival. We are monitoring developments closely. If you are near Arlington & St. Clair please continue to avoid the area and follow Toronto Police Operations instructions. My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and all those injured. Thank you for the immediate and ongoing work of Toronto Police and all our first responders at this moment.”