By Blessing Nweke
At least two people have been killed and several others injured after gunfire broke out at a street festival in Toronto, Canada, prompting a major police response and an ongoing investigation.
Police said officers were called to St Clair Avenue at around 20:12 local time on Saturday after receiving reports of an active shooter during the annual Salsa on St Clair Latin festival. When officers arrived, they found six people suffering from gunshot wounds, with two victims later pronounced dead at the scene.
Toronto police said the shooting appeared to have involved an exchange of gunfire between two individuals. Two firearms were recovered from the area, but no arrests had been made as authorities continued searching for those responsible.
Deputy Police Chief Francisco Barredo described the situation as “very chaotic,” noting that an estimated 13,000 people were attending the festival when the shooting occurred. He said police were managing three separate crime scenes linked to the incident and urged members of the public to avoid the area while investigations continued.
Authorities appealed for witnesses, including anyone with video footage or information about the shooting, to contact police. A large police presence remained at the scene as officers worked to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the violence.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified” by the shooting and expressed sympathy for the victims, their families, and those injured.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned what he described as “senseless violence” at the festival, saying those responsible must be found and brought to justice.
The shooting occurred during the 22nd edition of Salsa on St Clair, a popular annual celebration featuring Latin music, dance performances, and cultural activities. The event, held along St Clair Avenue in midtown Toronto, attracts thousands of visitors each year and is known as one of the city’s major summer festivals.
Original article
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