At least two dead in mass shooting at Toronto salsa festival; suspect still at large: police

'The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars,' said Ontario Premier Doug Ford

An unknown suspect opened fire at a Toronto salsa festival on Saturday, killing at least two people and injuring at least six more. Shortly after 8 p.m., Toronto Police Operations announced on X that there was an active shooter in the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue. As of 9:30 p.m., Toronto police said they had secured the scene, but the suspect, or suspects, are “still outstanding.”

Police advised people to avoid the area. The Salsa on St. Clair festival was taking place between Winona Drive and Christie Street. Videos posted to social media show people running as shots rang out.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford decried the “senseless violence” of the mass shooting in an X post. “I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected,” he wrote.

“Thank you to Toronto Police and our first responders for responding to this horrific incident. The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars.” Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles said the shooting took place just a short walk from her home.

“I am thinking of the two lives lost and others who were injured and traumatized by the violence this evening,” she wrote on X. “My family and I are safe, but I can’t imagine what the families of the victims are experiencing tonight. This is horrific. Please stay away from the area and stay home if you can.

First responders, including Toronto police, are on site. Again, please listen to the police as this is ongoing.” More to come ...