At least two people were killed and six others injured in a mass shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto on Saturday evening, according to Toronto police. The suspect remains at large as of late Saturday night.
Shooting Details
Toronto Police Operations reported on X that an active shooter was in the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue shortly after 8 p.m. The festival was taking place between Winona Drive and Christie Street. Social media videos show attendees fleeing as gunshots rang out.
By 9:30 p.m., police had secured the scene but confirmed that the suspect or suspects were still outstanding. Police urged the public to avoid the area. Toronto police later updated that six people had been located with gunshot wounds and two were pronounced deceased.
Official Responses
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the attack in a statement on X. "I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected," he wrote. "Thank you to Toronto Police and our first responders for responding to this horrific incident. The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars."
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles, who lives near the festival site, also expressed shock. "I am thinking of the two lives lost and others who were injured and traumatized by the violence this evening," she said on X. "My family and I are safe, but I can't imagine what the families of the victims are experiencing tonight. This is horrific. Please stay away from the area and stay home if you can."
Investigation Ongoing
Toronto police continue to investigate and have not released any description of the suspect. Further updates are expected as the investigation unfolds. The Salsa on St. Clair festival is an annual event that draws large crowds to the St. Clair West neighbourhood.
