A source close to the investigation has revealed that the gunmen-for-hire who targeted Toronto's U.S. Consulate earlier this spring were paid between $600 and $800 each and are also linked to shootings at GFL Environmental Inc. facilities. The same source indicated that these individuals may be involved in the Thursday shooting death of a Toronto police officer.
Background of the Investigation
The investigation into shootings at GFL Environmental facilities led authorities to the alleged shooters-for-hire responsible for the consulate attack. Veteran Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, died Thursday while executing an early morning search warrant related to the case. Nicholas Bennett, 19, who was wounded in the raid, faces a first-degree murder charge. Police are still searching for Zara Jabbi, 19, wanted in connection with the consulate attack.
Details from the Source
“They get paid to do it; they don’t care what they shoot,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This is the bottom of the barrel.” The investigation into GFL shootings and the home of at least one executive led to Thursday's raid. Arrests in the GFL investigation provided evidence linking the suspects to the consulate attack through texts and videos on their phones.
The Ring Unwinding
“The whole ring is unwinding,” the source added. “This is just the beginning of a long investigation. They’re starting at the bottom and working their way to the top.” The shooters were directed to pick up stolen cars and were required to video the attacks for payment. The attacks were not aimed directly at people but rather at causing havoc.
Wider Implications
Global News obtained a warrant showing Jabbi was allegedly involved in a vehicle theft before the consulate shooting. U.S. prosecutors suspect the attack was directed by Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, commander of an Iraqi militia with ties to the IRGC. A wiretapped conversation claimed responsibility for the consulate attack and another on a Toronto synagogue. Israel's ambassador expressed condolences for Constable Pinizzotto. Toronto police have not confirmed ties to synagogue shootings or Iran.
