Additional Coverage:
- Police investigate shooting at U.S. Consulate in Toronto (nbcnews.com)
Toronto U.S. Consulate Targeted in Early Morning Shooting; No Injuries Reported
VANCOUVER, British Columbia – Early Monday morning, gunfire was directed at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, marking the second such attack on the building this year, according to police reports. While no individuals were harmed, authorities discovered a single shell casing and noted damage to the consulate’s exterior.
Toronto Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo detailed that a high-speed chase unfolded over the course of an hour following the shooting, though no arrests have yet been made. He emphasized that the investigation remains active and the search for those responsible is ongoing.
“We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness,” Barredo stated during a press briefing. “Those responsible will be brought to justice.”
Mayor Olivia Chow described the shooting as a “brazen attack” and issued a stern warning to the perpetrators: “We will get you.”
Incident Occurs Despite Increased Security Measures
The U.S. Consulate had previously been targeted on March 10, when two suspects allegedly fired multiple rounds at the building before fleeing in a stolen vehicle. Subsequent police action led to the arrest of 18-year-old Sheldon Tracy-Stewart and 19-year-old Zara Jabbi last month, with charges related to the March shooting pending in court.
Following that initial incident, security presence at the consulate was heightened. At the time of Monday’s shooting, a police cruiser was reportedly stationed outside with its lights on, and two security personnel were inside the building.
Investigators Exploring Possible Links Between Recent Violent Incidents
Toronto police have suggested that the March shooting and other recent firearm attacks, including those targeting local synagogues, might be connected to complex gun-for-hire networks operating in the area.
Over the past weekend, two well-known Jewish-owned bakeries were also struck by gunfire. Deputy Chief Barredo noted that authorities have not discounted a connection between these events and the consulate shootings.
“Our investigators will follow the evidence wherever it leads,” he said.
The investigation into these incidents remains active as police work to determine the motives behind these acts of violence.
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- Police investigate shooting at U.S. Consulate in Toronto (nbcnews.com)