Three suspects are still at large after a shooting at a pub in Toronto left 12 people injured, police confirmed. The incident occurred at 22:39 local time on Friday near Scarborough city center in eastern Toronto.
Six victims suffered gunshot wounds, while others were injured by flying or broken glass. Authorities confirmed that none of the injuries were life-threatening.
The suspects, armed with an assault rifle and handguns, entered the pub and “opened fire indiscriminately,” according to Toronto Police Superintendent. Paul MacIntyre. “This was a brazen and reckless act of violence that’s really shaken our community and the city itself,” he added.
Police Launch Manhunt for Armed Suspects
Toronto police have deployed all available resources to locate the three suspects. One suspect, described as wearing a black balaclava, was seen fleeing the scene in a silver car. The victims ranged in age from their 20s to mid-50s.
Superintendent. MacIntyre expressed relief that there were no fatalities, calling it “extremely lucky.” He described the scene as horrific, with shattered glass walls and “blood all over the floor,” including in the basement where some patrons hid before police arrived.
Community and Officials React to Toronto Pub Shooting
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her concern on social media, writing, “I’m deeply troubled to hear reports of a shooting at a pub in Scarborough. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.” She emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and urged the public to await further details from law enforcement.
The shooting has left the community shaken, with many calling for increased measures to address gun violence in the city.
Toronto Gun Violence Trends in 2024
The number of injured in this incident is notably high compared to other shootings in the area this year. In 2024, the police division where the shooting occurred had already recorded several firearm-related incidents, though none as severe as Friday’s attack.
Last year, eight people were injured and two killed in shootings within the same division, according to police data. Across Toronto, a city of three million people, 43 individuals were killed in shootings in 2023.
While Canada has a significantly lower rate of firearm homicides than the United States, incidents like the Toronto pub shooting serve to show the ongoing concerns about gun violence.
According to 2021 data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, Canada’s firearm homicide rate is 0.6 per 100,000 people, compared to 4.5 per 100,000 in the U.S.
