Toronto Shooting investigators are searching for suspects after gunfire broke out during the annual Salsa on St Clair festival, killing two people and injuring several others.
Toronto Police responded to reports of an active shooter on St Clair Avenue at about 8:12 p.m. local time (0012 GMT). Officers arrived to find six people with gunshot wounds.
Emergency crews pronounced two victims dead at the scene. They transported the remaining injured victims to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Toronto Deputy Police Chief Francisco Barredo said two individuals exchanged gunfire during the festival. He described the scene as “very chaotic” because nearly 13,000 people were attending the event when the shooting began.
Investigators recovered two firearms from the scene. However, police had not made any arrests by Sunday and continued examining three separate crime scenes.
Meanwhile, authorities urged residents to avoid the area while forensic teams gathered evidence. Police also appealed to witnesses and anyone with mobile phone or video footage to assist the investigation.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified” by the attack. He offered condolences to the families of those killed and wished the injured a full recovery.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned the violence. He described the shooting as “senseless” and pledged to bring those responsible to justice.
The Salsa on St Clair festival is one of Toronto’s largest annual Latin cultural celebrations. The event features live music, dance performances and food, and this year’s gathering marked its 22nd edition.
