In brief
At least two people were killed during a gunfire exchange at Toronto’s popular Salsa on St Clair street festival, which drew an estimated 13,000 attendees. Police received reports of an active shooter around 20:12 on St Clair Avenue and found six victims with gunshot wounds, two of whom died on site. Eleven prosecutors have been identified, and officers recovered two firearms. Deputy Chief Francisco Barredo described the scene as chaotic, while Prime Minister Mark Carney offered prayers and Premier Doug Ford condemned the violence. Witnesses and anyone with information have been urged to contact authorities. The investigation remains active as authorities continue to handle three separate crime scenes.
Police confirmed that a shooting occurred during Toronto’s annual Salsa on St Clair Latin festival, leaving two people dead and six injured. The incident took place on St Clair Avenue at approximately 20:12 local time (01:12 BST). Authorities received an active‑shooter alert as crowds of around 13,000 festival-goers gathered near the street’s music and dance stages.
In the immediate aftermath, teams from the Emergency Task Force and local police found six victims with gunshot wounds. Two of those victims were pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators uncovered two firearms, with police identifying an exchange of gunfire between two individuals. As of now, no arrests have been made and the investigation remains ongoing.
Toronto Deputy Police Chief Francisco Barredo described the chaos at the festival and said the department was processing three separate crime scenes. He urged the public to stay away from the area, citing a heavy police presence until the threat was neutralised.
Florida’s 11-year‑old had told police he had seen a suspect. In a press conference hours after the shooting, police revealed that two suspects had been seen exchanging gunfire. Investigators requested any witnesses or anyone who might have information to contact the Toronto Police Service.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the tragedy, saying he was "horrified" by the event. He offered prayers to the families and those in critical condition. Province Premier Doug Ford echoed the sentiment, calling the violence "senseless" and demanding that the perpetrator be brought to justice. Ford thanked first responders for their quick action and expressed solidarity with victims’ families.
The festival, which celebrates Latin culture with live music and dance, has been a staple of Midtown Toronto for 22 years. St Clair Avenue, known for its vibrant shops and restaurants, was unexpectedly turned into a scene of emergency response as gunfire echoed through the streets. Authorities are continuing to investigate the scene and anticipate further updates as more information becomes available.
