Toronto authorities vowed Sunday to find those responsible for a shooting incident at a street festival that left two dead and four others injured. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA-EFE
Toronto’s police chief on Sunday promised the “relentless pursuit” of those responsible for a shooting incident during a street festival which left two people dead and triggered a chaotic scene.
In addition to two men who died, four other people suffered gunshot wounds shortly after 8 p.m. local time Saturday as about 13,000 people were attending the Salsa on St. Clair festival, described as one of the Canadian city’s largest annual celebrations of Latin culture.
Videos posted on social media showed scenes of mass chaos as attendees at the “family friendly” event ran through the streets seeking shelter.
An initial investigation indicated two shooters appeared to be targeting one another, police told reporters.
Two firearms were recovered recovered but no one had been arrested as of Sunday afternoon.
“The brazen violence we witnessed in the middle of a community festival where thousands were gathered to enjoy a summer evening with family and friends is heartbreaking and unacceptable,” Toronto Police Service Chief Myron Demkiw said in a statement.
“My thoughts are with the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, and with everyone affected by these senseless acts of violence,” he added. “All the necessary resources are being made available to our investigative teams and we will be relentless in our pursuit of those responsible.”
The festival was shut down Saturday night after the shooting incident and planned second day on Sunday was canceled.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified” by the shooting.
“My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event,” he said in a social media post.
“My thanks to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy. Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Doorbell camera footage obtained CTV News show panicked festivalgoers running at full speed down an alleyway to avoid the chaos after the festival shooting.
“I am deeply disturbed and angry about this reckless, irresponsible act of violence right in the middle of a festival attended by families, children, seniors,” Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said in the aftermath of the shooting. “It is beyond words how disturbed I am.”
She praised the city’s response to the chaos and urged anyone with video footage of incident or any other kind of evidence to come forward.
