Toronto police are investigating a hate-motivated shooting that occurred Thursday night outside a synagogue in North York, Ontario. Three individuals standing in front of the Chasidei Bobov synagogue were shot at from a vehicle using a replica firearm, according to the Toronto Police Service (TPS).
Incident details
The shooting took place around 11 p.m. in the Bathurst Street and Highway 401 area. Police reported that one person was struck by the replica firearm and sustained minor injuries but did not require hospitalization.
TPS Media Relations Officer Viktor Sarudi stated in an email that officers are actively investigating the incident, speaking with witnesses, and reviewing video footage. He added that the suspect vehicle and the specific type of replica firearm have not yet been identified, but further information may be released later.
Hate-motivated investigation
Police have classified the shooting as a suspected hate-motivated offence. This incident follows a similar event on April 30, when three Jewish individuals in North York were shot at with a replica firearm. However, authorities have not linked the two cases.
In March, an 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with two separate synagogue shootings in Toronto and Vaughan, Ontario. It remains unclear if Thursday's shooting is related.
Replica firearms, such as pellet guns, are often used in such incidents, according to the RCMP.
Community concerns
Toronto writer and educator Aviva Klompas expressed alarm on social media, questioning the escalation from replica firearms to real weapons. The incident has heightened concerns within the Jewish community about safety and rising hate crimes.
Police urge anyone with information to contact them. The investigation is ongoing.
