A shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto on Saturday left at least two people dead and at least four others wounded. The incident occurred at the annual two-day event celebrating Latin culture, which was attended by approximately 13,000 people at the time of the gunfire.
Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Frank Barredo stated that the shooting involved an exchange of gunfire between two individuals who were targeting each other. He characterized the incident as particularly dangerous given that the perpetrators were indiscriminately putting large numbers of people at risk. Officers recovered two firearms from the scene and are investigating at least three separate crime scenes related to the shooting. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
Festival organizers announced they were canceling the remainder of the event due to the ongoing police investigation. In a statement, they expressed shock and sadness over the violence and extended condolences to the families of those killed and injured.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to the shooting by expressing horror at the incident and pledging full police support in apprehending those responsible. Fatal shootings remain relatively uncommon in Canada’s largest city, which enforces strict gun control measures. However, Toronto has experienced a notable increase in gun violence in recent years, attributed in part to gang-related activity. Police data indicated that at least 33 shootings had occurred in the city earlier in the year.