The Toronto Police Service is investigating a shooting outside the U.S. Consulate that occurred around 4:45 a.m. On Monday, which officials described as a "brazen attack."
The incident happened more than four months after a previous shooting at the same consulate and one day following attacks on two Jewish-owned bagel shops belonging to the same bakery chain. Police confirmed that at least one of the bakery attacks involved gunfire and indicated the two Kiva's locations may be connected.
A Toronto Police Service spokeswoman told JNS that "It's too early in the investigation to determine whether there's any connection between the incident this morning and the one yesterday at the Jewish owned bakeries," While noting that "Investigators are examining all possibilities, including whether the two incidents may be related."
An officer was stationed outside the building during Monday's shooting, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow reported. She described the attack as occurring "when there is a police cruiser, with its lights flashing, right in front of it" And called it a "brazen attack." No injuries were reported.
Following the gunshot, the officer observed someone flee in a white sedan without license plates, according to Deputy Chief Frank Barretto. Police pursued the vehicle at speeds exceeding 87 miles per hour before discontinuing the chase due to public safety concerns. Officers recovered a shell casing and documented damage to the building's exterior. No arrests have been made.
Chow pledged to work with the minister of public safety to "remove illegal American guns off our streets and bring those who are responsible to justice and prevent other shootings." She addressed those responsible directly: "We will get you. We have apprehended the previous shooters, all three of them, and we will bring you to justice. You will be held accountable."
The March 10 shooting at the same consulate involved multiple rounds fired. That incident was linked to a broader pattern of attacks on synagogues and Jewish schools carried out by criminals connected to a network that recruits young people to commit crimes, according to police. An officer was killed during a search warrant execution related to the March attack.
Barretto stated it was "too early" To determine if Monday's shooting connected to the March incident or the broader network but said investigators "will follow the evidence to where it leads." He noted the Toronto area has experienced growth in crimes for hire, where "criminals simply do perform services for hire. They don't have any personal interest in the matter. They simply are hired to carry out a specific act of criminality."