Two people were killed and six others injured during a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto on Saturday evening. The incident occurred around 8:12 p.m. as gunmen exchanged fire in a crowd of approximately 13,000 festival attendees, according to the Toronto Police Service. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while five others suffered gunshot wounds and one was hospitalized with unspecified injuries.
Investigation Underway
Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo stated that two firearms were recovered and investigators are focusing on three separate crime scenes. The complexity of the investigation is expected to increase, as it remains unclear if the shooters were among the deceased or injured. Authorities have not confirmed whether any suspects are still at large.
Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her outrage over the violence, particularly given the festival's family-friendly atmosphere.
I’m deeply disturbed and angry about this reckless, irresponsible act of violence right in the middle of a festival,
she said during a news conference. Witnesses described panic as festival-goers fled the scene amid the gunfire, with one attendee recalling seeing paramedics performing CPR on a victim.
The Salsa on St. Clair festival, which celebrates Latino culture through music, dance, food, and art, began on Saturday and was scheduled to continue through Sunday.
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The shooting incident at the festival could lead to increased scrutiny on public safety at large gatherings, potentially impacting future attendance at similar events. Investors will watch for any changes in security protocols or insurance costs related to public events following this incident.