Two Dead, Several Wounded in Toronto Shooting at Salsa Festival
A shooting at a Latin music festival in Toronto on Saturday night left two people dead and several others injured, with police launching a search for suspects on Sunday. The attack occurred at the Salsa on St. Clair festival, described as one of Canada's largest Latin street events, and prompted the cancellation of its final day.
The Toronto Police Service said officers responded to reports of gunfire at around 8:12 p.m. local time near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue. According to police, two people were pronounced dead at the scene, and first responders found a total of five victims suffering from gunshot wounds, including the two fatalities.
Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo told reporters that initial evidence suggested an exchange of gunfire between two individuals, and two firearms were recovered at the scene. He did not confirm whether the shooters were among the dead and did not rule out the possibility of more people being involved. "No arrests have been made so far," he said, describing the situation as very "complex" and "chaotic," and asked festivalgoers to send police any images that could assist the investigation.
Authorities urged the public to avoid the area and follow all police instructions. The Toronto Transit Commission temporarily suspended train stops at the nearby St. Clair West station due to a "security incident," but regular service has since resumed.
The final day of the festival, scheduled for Sunday, was cancelled, according to City Councillor Josh Matlow. The TD Salsa on St. Clair Festival, which celebrates Toronto's Latin culture, was marking its 22nd annual edition in the Hillcrest Village neighborhood.
In response to the shooting, Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the attack in a post on X, writing that he was "devastated by the senseless violence." He offered his thoughts to the victims and their families and thanked Toronto Police and first responders for their response. Ford added that the person responsible "must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars."
Police have not released any information about a suspect, motive, or arrests. They said updates would be provided as more information becomes available.