Gunmen Exchange Fire, Leaving Two Dead and Six Injured

The shooting took place around 8:12 p.m. local time near St. Clair and Arlington avenues, police said. Frank Barredo. Toronto Police Service deputy chief. Described the incident as an exchange of gunfire between individuals targeting each other — Two guns were recovered, and investigators are focusing on three different crime scenes. Police have not yet confirmed whether the shooters are among the dead or injured, nor have they identified any suspects in custody.

Four of the six injured were hospitalized with serious wounds, Barredo added. One witness, Pamela Garcia, told CP24 that she heard three gunshots and saw people running and screaming. Another, Jacy Lin, described seeing paramedics performing CPR on a man as he was being transported, adding that the music at the salsa stage had stopped abruptly and people began to leave the area.

Political Leaders Condemn ‘Senseless’ Violence

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed horror at the incident, offering his prayers to the families of the victims and thanking first responders for their efforts to prevent a greater tragedy. “I’m horrified by the shooting,” he said in a statement. Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the violence as “senseless,” confirming that two lives were lost and others were injured. He called for the person responsible to be captured, brought to justice, and “spend the rest of their life behind bars.”

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow also expressed anger at the violence, noting the event was family-friendly and drew many children. “I’m deeply disturbed and angry about this reckless, irresponsible act of violence right in the middle of a festival,” she said at a news conference.

Festival Celebrated 22nd Year Amid Large Police Presence

The Salsa on St. Clair festival, now in its 22nd year, is one of Toronto’s largest celebrations of Latin culture. It features live music, dance performances, and food stalls along St. Clair Avenue, a busy midtown corridor lined with shops and restaurants. The event was expected to run through July 12 but was disrupted by the gunfire. Police have urged the public to avoid the area and to provide any information that could aid the investigation.

Authorities have not yet released names of the victims or provided details on the relationship, if any, between the victims and the suspected shooters. The Toronto Police Service has confirmed that the investigation will be “complex” and that the perpetrators may have escaped the scene amid the crowd.