Wesal TV (GTA): Two men were killed and four other people were injured after an exchange of gunfire during the Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto on Saturday evening, triggering panic among thousands of people and a large emergency response.
Toronto police said officers were called to the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue at approximately 8:12 p.m. on July 11 following reports of gunfire.
Officers found six people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two men were pronounced dead at the scene, while four other victims were transported to hospital. Police had not publicly identified the victims or provided detailed updates on the conditions of those hospitalized as of early Sunday.
Some early media reports said five people had been injured. However, the latest detailed police account states that six people were shot in total: two were killed and four were injured.
Police say shooting was not a random active-shooter attack
Police initially issued an active-shooter warning and urged members of the public to avoid the area. The scene was later secured, although investigators continued searching for the people responsible.
Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said the preliminary investigation indicated that at least two individuals had exchanged gunfire while apparently targeting each other.
“There was some concern about an active shooter. That turned out not to be the case,” Barredo said.
However, he said those involved had “indiscriminately put vast numbers of people in danger.”
Police recovered two firearms from the scene. No arrests had been announced by the time of the late-night police briefing, and investigators had not released descriptions or images of the suspects.
Authorities were examining several areas connected to the shooting and collecting security-camera recordings, cellphone videos and other evidence.
Police appealed to festival attendees, local residents, businesses and drivers who may have captured the incident to preserve their footage and contact investigators. The police occurrence number is GO1436736.
Thousands were attending the festival
Police estimated that approximately 13,000 people were in the festival area when the shots were fired. Witnesses described people screaming, running from the scene and taking shelter inside nearby restaurants and businesses.
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One witness told the Associated Press that people nearby instructed them to lie on the floor because they did not initially understand where the gunfire was coming from. A festival vendor described seeing a large wave of people suddenly running away.
Salsa on St. Clair is an annual, family-oriented celebration of Latin American culture featuring live music, dancing, food vendors and cultural performances. The 2026 event was scheduled to take place on July 11 and 12 along St. Clair Avenue West.
Prime minister says he is “horrified”
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was horrified by the violence and expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.
“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.”
Carney thanked police officers and other first responders, saying their courage and rapid response prevented further tragedy.
“Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.”
Toronto mayor condemns violence at family festival
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she was deeply disturbed and angry that the shooting had taken place in the middle of a festival attended by families.
“I’m deeply disturbed and angry about this reckless and irresponsible act of violence.”
Chow said the city supported police efforts to identify and arrest those responsible.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also described the incident as senseless violence and said his thoughts were with the victims, their families and everyone affected.
“I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others,” Ford said.
Investigation remains active
Police said the preliminary evidence suggested the shooting involved people firing at one another rather than someone randomly targeting festival visitors. Investigators had not publicly disclosed a possible motive or whether the two deceased men were involved in the exchange of gunfire.
Deputy Chief Barredo emphasized that Toronto remains a safe city but is not immune from serious gun violence.
“Toronto is one of the safest cities in the world, but we are three million people and unfortunately we are not immune.”
Anyone with information, photographs, cellphone recordings, surveillance video or dash-camera footage is asked to contact the Toronto Police Service. Information may also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers.
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