Toronto Festival gunfight leaves 2 dead, 4 wounded as police hunt suspects
(Two people have been killed and four others injured following a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto)
A summer celebration of Latin culture in Toronto turned into a scene of chaos Saturday night after gunfire erupted near the popular Salsa on St. Clair festival, leaving two men dead and four other people wounded as police launched an intensive search for those responsible.
The shooting occurred shortly after 8 p.m. near the intersection of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where an estimated 13,000 people had gathered for the annual street festival featuring live music, dancing, food and family activities.
Toronto police said the violence was not the result of an active shooter randomly targeting the crowd, as initially feared. Investigators now believe two armed individuals exchanged gunfire, indiscriminately endangering the thousands of people attending the event. Authorities recovered two firearms at the scene.
No arrests had been announced as of Sunday, and investigators continued working to identify and locate the shooters.
Videos shared on social media and home security footage captured terrified festivalgoers sprinting through streets and alleys as people scrambled for cover. Witnesses described screams erupting throughout the crowded festival area before businesses stopped serving customers and people sought shelter wherever they could.
Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw vowed officers would make the case a top priority.
“The brazen violence we witnessed in the middle of a community festival where thousands were gathered to enjoy a summer evening with family and friends is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Demkiw said, promising a “relentless pursuit” of those responsible.
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo emphasized that while the incident was not an active-shooter attack, the exchange of gunfire placed countless innocent bystanders at risk.
The remainder of Saturday’s festival was shut down, and organizers canceled Sunday’s scheduled events.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned what she called a reckless act of violence in the middle of a family-oriented celebration attended by children, seniors and visitors from across the city. Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed condolences to the victims’ families while thanking first responders for their rapid response.
Police are urging anyone with cellphone video, surveillance footage or other information to contact investigators as the search for the shooters continues.
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(Sources: Los Angeles Times, UPI, Toronto Sun)Â
(Cover photo: Image credit: X)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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