Additional Coverage:
- Toronto active shooter: Multiple injuries as gunman opens fire at Latin music festival (themirror.com)
Two people have died and three others were injured in a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto on Saturday evening.
Toronto police responded to reports of gunfire at approximately 8:12 p.m. local time and urged the public to avoid the area. Authorities quickly secured the scene by 9:17 p.m., maintaining a significant police presence as the investigation continues.
The Toronto Transit Commission announced that trains are bypassing St. Clair West station on Line 1 due to what they described as a “security incident.”
Police have confirmed that five individuals suffered gunshot wounds; two were pronounced dead at the scene, while the condition of the other three remains unknown. No description of the suspect has been released, and police continue to search for the individual believed to be responsible.
Eyewitnesses described a stark shift in atmosphere at the festival. Joanna Lavoie, who spoke with CTV News, said attendees were dancing and enjoying the event before gunshots abruptly interrupted the celebration.
“People are terrified,” she said, noting that police instructed everyone to leave the area. “I’m a little bit shaken.”
The annual TD Salsa on St. Clair festival, held along St.
Clair Avenue West between Christie Street and Winona Drive, is known as Canada’s premier Latino-themed cultural event. Drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors over two days, the festival celebrates Latino culture through music, dance, art, and food, aiming to connect communities across Ontario and beyond.
Authorities continue to ask the public to stay clear of the area and to follow directions from emergency personnel as the investigation unfolds.