Two Killed, Four Injured in Toronto Street Festival Shooting, Police Report
Wertynews.com – A deadly shooting erupted during the Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto, Canada, leaving at least two people dead and four others wounded, according to local authorities. The incident occurred in Midtown Toronto, a bustling area known for its vibrant annual Latin cultural event, which typically attracts thousands of attendees.
Police Clarify Initial Reports
Initially, the Toronto Police Service classified the event as an active shooter situation. However, Deputy Chief Frank Barredo later corrected this during a late Saturday night news conference. “There was some concern of an active shooter, but that turned out not to be the case,” he stated, explaining the situation.
“It’s very difficult to say with certainty what precipitated this,” Barredo added. “I can tell you that there was an exchange of gunfire between individuals and that two firearms were recovered.”
Details of the Incident
Officers responding to the scene found six people with gunshot wounds, two of whom succumbed to their injuries before medical assistance arrived. The remaining four victims were transported to nearby hospitals, where they were reported in serious condition. Barredo noted that it was unclear whether any of the suspects were among the casualties.
Investigation Ongoing
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of shots fired or the exact number of suspects involved. Barredo also revealed that three distinct crime scenes were identified at the festival. “We will piece together some of those bits of information, and when we’re able to share it with the public, we certainly will,” he said.
Political Response
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his dismay over the violence in a statement shared on X. “I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others,” he wrote. “The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice, and spend the rest of their life behind bars.”
As of now, no suspects have been apprehended, and the investigation into the shooting continues. Approximately 13,000 people were in attendance at the festival, adding to the concern over the event’s safety.
