Toronto police probe shooting at US consulate, raising national security concerns as multiple incidents target diplomatic sites.
Toronto police are investigating a shooting incident at the US consulate, which authorities have labelled as a "national security incident." The attack, which took place early Tuesday morning, has prompted a coordinated response from local law enforcement and the US State Department.
The Incident
The shooting occurred around 4:30 AM local time (08:30 GMT) when two male suspects fired multiple shots at the US consulate building. Authorities reported finding shell casings at the scene, along with visible damage to the building, said Frank Barredo, Deputy Chief of Toronto Police.
The suspects, who were driving a white Honda CR-V, approached the consulate. They exited the vehicle and fired shots at the building, which appeared to be from a handgun. Afterward, they quickly returned to the car and fled the scene. Fortunately, no one inside the building was harmed, as the consulate is described as being "highly fortified."
Ongoing Investigation and Security Measures
In the aftermath of the incident, the US State Department confirmed it was aware of the shooting and is working closely with local authorities. The department is monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of diplomatic staff and facilities.
Toronto police have reached out to their US counterparts, including the FBI, to assist in the investigation. Additionally, extra security measures have been put in place at both US and Israeli diplomatic posts in Toronto and Ottawa.
Deputy Chief Barredo assured the public, saying, "We appreciate and understand the concern, how unsettling this is, how disturbing it is and how angry it may make some citizens. I can assure Torontonians and Canadians that the Toronto Police Service considers this the utmost serious type of event."
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the act, calling it an "absolutely unacceptable act of violence and intimidation aimed at our American friends and neighbours." He expressed confidence that police would use all available resources to find those responsible.
Similar Attacks in Toronto
In the days leading up to the attack on the US consulate, several other buildings in Toronto have been targeted. Three Jewish synagogues in the city were shot at in the past week, although no one was injured in those incidents. Additionally, a boxing gym owned by an Iranian-Canadian critic of the Iranian government was also shot at recently, with no injuries reported.
Toronto police have not yet identified or arrested any suspects in connection with the shooting at the consulate, and it remains unclear whether the incidents are related. However, investigators are exploring potential links between these events.
Deputy Chief Barredo acknowledged the pattern of attacks in the city, saying, "It is not lost on us that the city has unfortunately experienced similar types of events."
Government Reactions
Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the situation, stating that the attacks on the synagogues were "extremely concerning." He assured the public that the Canadian government would provide all necessary resources to hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
Meanwhile, Norwegian authorities are investigating a recent explosion outside the US embassy in Oslo, which caused minor damage. Police in Norway believe the explosion was linked to an improvised device, possibly an act of terrorism. Investigators are also looking into any potential connections to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict, involving the US.
