Shooting at a salsa festival in Toronto: two dead and several injured
This is according to the BBC.
According to local police, a report of an armed assailant was received at around 20:12 local time. Officers arriving at the scene found six people with gunshot wounds. Two of them had died before paramedics arrived.
What is known about the shooting
It has been provisionally established that a shootout broke out between two people during the festival. At the scene, police recovered two firearms.
No suspects have been arrested as yet. The police are continuing their investigation and are establishing the full circumstances of the incident.
Toronto’s Deputy Chief of Police, Francisco Barredo, reported that there were around 13,000 visitors at the festival at the time of the shooting. He said that panic ensued after the shots were fired and that the scene was “very chaotic”.
Law enforcement officers are working at three locations linked to the investigation and are appealing to witnesses to provide any information or video footage that may help establish the full details.
Reaction from the authorities
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his condolences to the families of those killed and injured, stating that he was shocked by the tragedy.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned the shooting, calling it a senseless act of violence. He emphasised that those responsible must be found and brought to justice as soon as possible.
The Salsa on St. Clair festival is one of the largest Latin American cultural events in Canada and attracts thousands of visitors every year. This year marked its 22nd edition.
Follow us on our Telegram channel
