Toronto shooting incident leaves two dead, five injured during street festival

TORONTO: Two people were killed and five others injured in a shooting incident in Toronto on Saturday, police said.

According to a police emergency alert posted on X, officers responding to the incident found five people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the conditions of the injured victims were not immediately disclosed.

The shooting took place in Midtown Toronto during the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival, a Latin cultural event, according to CTV News.

Authorities asked people to stay away from the area and follow police instructions as officers continued their investigation and response efforts.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified” by the incident and expressed support for police efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible.

“My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone affected by this horrific event,” Carney said in a post on X.

A Toronto Police spokesperson said no further details were available beyond the information shared through the department’s official social media account.

Police said additional updates would be released as more information became available. Authorities had not immediately provided details about possible suspects, the motive behind the shooting, or any arrests.

(Inputs from Reuters)