Two people were killed and four others injured in a shooting near a street festival in Toronto on Saturday, police said. The fatalities occurred after officers initially warned the public about an active shooter before later declaring the scene secure.
Toronto Police Service (TPS) officials said six people were found with gunshot wounds following the shooting near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue. The area was hosting the popular Salsa on St. Clair festival when the gunfire broke out.
TPS initially urged people to stay away from the area as emergency officers responded to the unfolding incident. Later, TPS representatives confirmed the scene had been secured but stated that the suspect or suspects had not yet been arrested.
A heavy police presence remained around the festival site, which hosts the annual Latino-themed cultural celebration.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was devastated by the violence.
The Ontario Premier wrote in a social media post that he was devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that claimed two lives and injured others, noting his thoughts were with the victims, their families, and everyone affected.
Toronto, Canada's largest city, is widely considered one of North America's safest major cities. Fatal shootings, especially those involving multiple victims in public places, are relatively uncommon.
