In brief
Police in Toronto rushed to the U.S. consulate after hearing a gunshot early Monday morning, sparking a high‑speed chase that ended over safety concerns. The shooting is the second time this year the consulate has been targeted, following a March incident tied to a gun‑for‑hire network. Investigators, aided by the RCMP and international partners, are probing the motive and suspect identities, while officials note no injuries were reported and the building’s fortifications likely protected occupants. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns for diplomatic premises in Canada.
Shots fired at US consulate in Toronto for a second time this year
Police in Toronto are investigating after a gunshot was fired at the U.S. consulate building, marking the second time this year such an incident has occurred.
Early Monday morning, an officer stationed outside the consulate heard one gunshot and spotted a white car without a licence plate fleeing the scene. Police briefly engaged in a high‑speed car chase before ending it due to safety concerns. No injuries were reported.
The incident follows the March shooting, when Toronto police arrested three suspects linked to a broader gun‑for‑hire network. Investigators are now looking into whether the same or related individuals were involved.
Toronto police say they are working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and international law‑enforcement partners. Supervisor Jonathan Ko described the event as “another troubling incident” and city mayor Olivia Chow called the attack “brazen.”
The gunshot occurred around 4:45 local time (9:45 BST). Officers recovered one shell casing and noted damage to the building’s façade. At least two people were inside the consulate, though the building’s fortifications likely prevented them from hearing the shot.
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo told reporters that the investigation continues and police across the city are on alert for potential suspects. "We will bring the people responsible to justice," he added.
The U.S. consulate posted a statement on X thanking Toronto police for their response. Unlike the March incident, no injuries were reported this time.
The March shooting also prompted raids in June, during which Officer Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was killed. In that operation, police arrested several young suspects, aged 18 and 19, for a string of shootings linked to a gun‑for‑hire network.
Toronto police also responded to attacks on two Jewish‑owned bakeries earlier that weekend, though they had not yet determined a link to the consulate shooting.
In May, U.S. officials arrested an Iraqi national, 32, for alleged plans to target U.S. interests in North America and Europe, including the consulate. Toronto police have not confirmed whether this individual is connected to the current investigation or identified a motive.
