New York, July 12, (dpa/GNA) – Two people were killed, and six others injured in a shooting, at a salsa festival in the Canadian city of Toronto.
At least four other people were taken to nearby hospitals with serious gunshot wounds, Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo said at a press conference late on Saturday evening.
Barredo went on to say that the police currently believe there was an exchange of fire between at least two people who were moving through the crowd. Two firearms had been recovered, and there were at least three distinct crime scenes.
The police did not provide any details regarding the identities of the deceased, or whether they were bystanders or had been shooting. No arrests have been made so far. Nevertheless, the police do not believe there is any further danger in the area, said Barredo.
The police say the incident took place shortly after 8 pm on Saturday at the Salsa on St. Clair festival. People were celebrating there to the sound of Latin American music in the streets.
According to the organizers’ website, the festival, featuring music, performers and Latin American specialities, attracts hundreds of thousands of people to the streets of the Hillcrest Village neighbourhood every year.
On Saturday evening, police said around 13,000 people were in attendance. Given the number of potential witnesses and the video footage to be reviewed, Police Chief Barredo said he expected the investigation to be complex.
Toronto’s Mayor, Olivia Chow, wrote on X that she was “disgusted and angered”, and described the shooting as “a reckless, despicable act of violence at a crowded festival.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also expressed his horror. “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 wrote.
GNA