A shooting near a popular Toronto street festival turned deadly Saturday, killing two people and injuring four others, according to Toronto police.
Officers responded to the area near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival was taking place. Six victims were discovered with gunshot wounds at the scene.
Authorities initially put out an urgent warning for the public to stay away from the area as they responded to what they described as an active shooter situation. While police later announced the scene had been brought under control, they noted that no suspect or suspects had been taken into custody.
A heavy police presence continued in the area surrounding the festival, which is a Latino-themed cultural event held in Toronto.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford expressed his grief over the tragedy on social media. “I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others,” he wrote. “My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected.”
The shooting is considered unusual for Toronto, which ranks among the safest major cities in North America. Deadly shootings — especially those involving multiple victims in a public setting — are not common occurrences in Canada’s largest city.
