Toronto authorities are hunting for suspects following a deadly shooting that killed at least two people and wounded four others at a crowded cultural festival on Saturday night. The gunfire erupted during the annual Salsa on St. Clair event, an outdoor celebration of Latin culture that had drawn approximately 13,000 attendees to the streets of Canada’s largest city.
According to Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Frank Barredo, the violence appears to have stemmed from an active exchange of gunfire between specific individuals who were targeting one another.
Barredo condemned the shooters for firing indiscriminately within a massive crowd and putting thousands of innocent festivalgoers in extreme danger. Investigators recovered two firearms from the area and are currently processing at least three separate crime scenes embedded within the festival grounds. No arrests have been made.
The tragedy prompted organizers to cancel the remainder of the two-day event, noting they were shocked and deeply saddened by the senseless violence. In a statement posted to their website, organizers extended condolences to the families of the victims and confirmed the festival would not resume on Sunday due to the complexity of the ongoing police investigation.
Read more: Mexico seeks legal action against U.S. following fatal ICE shooting of citizen in Houston (with video)
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed horror over the incident, offering prayers to the grieving families and those in critical condition while pledging full federal support to law enforcement as they work to apprehend the perpetrators.
While fatal shootings remain relatively rare in Toronto—a city protected by strict Canadian firearm regulations and historically low rates of gun crime—local authorities have noted a concerning uptick in gun violence linked to regional gang activity over recent years.
According to Toronto Police Service data compiled through July 5, the city had already recorded at least 33 shootings this year prior to Saturday’s fatal encounter.
