No arrests yet in fatal Toronto festival shooting
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Toronto police have made no arrests or identified suspects following a fatal shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival.
- Two people died and four were injured in what police described as an exchange of gunfire between two individuals targeting each other.
- The festival was cancelled on Sunday, and residents and businesses are left to deal with the aftermath of the violence.
Toronto police continue to investigate a fatal shooting that occurred during the Salsa on St. Clair festival, with no arrests or suspect information yet available. The incident, which took place Saturday evening, resulted in two deaths and four injuries amidst an estimated 13,000 attendees. Police initially responded to fears of an active shooter but later determined it was an exchange of gunfire between two individuals.
At this time, no arrests have been made and we have no suspect information to share in relation to the shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival.
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo described the scene as chaotic upon officers' arrival, with injured individuals and people fleeing. While initially believing officers were searching for two suspects, authorities confirmed Monday morning that no arrests have been made and no suspect information can be shared. Updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
We literally had a shop full of people.
The shooting has cast a shadow over the St. Clair Avenue community as the new week begins. Local business employees recounted the sudden panic as festival-goers ran for safety. One employee described the shop filling with people seeking refuge during the incident.
There wasnโt enough of a [security] presence. I feel like this is a great festival, we come every year, but it needs to be spread out more.
Concerns about security at the event were also raised, with one local business owner feeling the festival was too densely packed and lacked adequate security presence. The Salsa on St. Clair festival was officially cancelled on Sunday, and police cordoned off three areas for further forensic analysis.
There were people that were injured, there were people that were down. It was a very active and chaotic scene.
Originally published by Global News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.