Two dead, six injured in mass shooting at street festival in Canada’s Toronto, suspect at large | World

A shooting near Toronto’s annual Salsa on St. Clair street festival left two people dead and six others injured, prompting a massive police response and a search for the suspect or suspects. According to The Associated Press (AP), the shooting took place near the intersection of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where the popular Salsa on St. Clair festival was underway. 

At the scene, police found six people suffering from gunshot wounds. Authorities have launched an investigation and are actively searching for those responsible.

Suspect at large

Toronto Police initially issued an active shooter alert, urging residents to avoid the area. The warning was later lifted after officers secured the scene. However, authorities said no arrests had been made, and the suspect remained at large, with investigators continuing efforts to identify and locate those responsible for the shooting.

Toronto Police said officers responded to reports of gunfire at around 8.12 pm local time. In a post on X, Toronto Police said, “Six people were located with gunshot wounds. Two people have been pronounced dead. Police remain on the scene. Suspect(s) are still outstanding. More information to follow.”

Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the victims, the condition of those injured, a possible motive behind the shooting, or any details about the suspect.

Heavy police presence in the area 

A heavy police presence remained in the area as investigators continued to examine the crime scene and search for the suspect or suspects.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “devastated” by the shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival. “I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others,” Ford wrote in a post on social media. “My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected.”

According to the AP, the festival is a Latino-themed celebration featuring live Latin music, dance performances, food, and cultural activities. This year’s event marked its 22nd edition. Held along a bustling midtown Toronto corridor lined with shops and restaurants, the festival typically attracts thousands of visitors, making the shooting all the more shocking.

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is among North America’s safest major cities. Fatal shootings, particularly those involving multiple victims in public, are relatively rare.

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