At least two people were killed and several others injured after gunfire erupted during a popular street festival in Toronto on Saturday evening, sending thousands of festivalgoers into panic and prompting a large-scale police response.
According to Toronto Police, officers were called to St. Clair Avenue at approximately 8:12 p.m. local time following reports of an active shooter during the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival. Upon arriving at the scene, emergency responders found six people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining injured were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Authorities quickly secured the area and launched an extensive investigation. Police confirmed that the suspect or suspects had not been arrested and urged residents to avoid the neighborhood as investigators continued to gather evidence. A significant police presence remained in place overnight.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the attack, describing it as a “senseless act of violence” that had claimed innocent lives and injured others attending the community celebration. He expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and thanked first responders for their swift actions. Ford also called for those responsible to be identified, arrested, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The shooting occurred during the 22nd edition of the Salsa on St. Clair festival, one of Toronto’s largest annual cultural events. The festival attracts thousands of visitors each year with live Latin music, dance performances, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment along St. Clair Avenue, a vibrant district known for its restaurants and local businesses.
Witnesses described scenes of chaos as gunshots rang out, forcing people to flee for safety. Emergency crews rushed to assist the wounded while police established a security perimeter around the area.
Investigators are working to determine the motive behind the shooting and whether the incident was targeted or random. Authorities have appealed to anyone with information, photographs, or video footage from the festival to come forward to assist with the investigation.
The tragedy has shocked Toronto residents and cast a shadow over one of the city’s most celebrated cultural festivals as the community mourns the victims and awaits further updates from police.
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