Two Dead in Toronto Mass Shooting at Major Latin Festival

During a major Latin street festival in Toronto, known as Salsa on St. Clair, a mass shooting occurred on Saturday, resulting in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to several others.

Toronto Police reported that the incident involved at least two shooters who exchanged gunfire in a crowded area, where approximately 13,000 people were in attendance. Six individuals were shot, and police believe that multiple suspects remain at large.

According to Deputy Chief Frank Barredo, both deceased victims were men, while four others sustained serious injuries and were transported to local hospitals. Authorities have established three separate crime scenes and recovered two firearms from the scene.

Barredo described the shooting as an exchange of gunfire between two individuals, which endangered many festivalgoers. He confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.

As a result of the shooting, the festival's organizers announced that the second day of the event would be canceled to allow for the ongoing police investigation. They expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

City Councillor Josh Matlow noted that police returned to the scene on Sunday, where festival attendees were seen fleeing as law enforcement arrived. Eyewitness accounts highlighted the panic that ensued, with reports of screams and people running for safety.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the violence, calling it a “reckless, despicable act” and pledged that police would have the necessary resources to identify the suspects involved. She urged anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his horror at the shooting, offering prayers for the victims and their families. While Canada generally experiences lower rates of gun violence compared to the United States, the incident adds to concerns over public safety, particularly following a previous mass shooting in Montreal.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WMAR-2 News (source).