Toronto officer killed in operation linked to U.S. Consulate shooting; suspect sought

A Toronto police officer was fatally shot Thursday morning while executing search warrants related to a March shooting at the U.S. Consulate. The incident occurred in a high-rise building in North York, Toronto, during an operation involving the Emergency Task Force.

Gunfire was exchanged on the building's fourth floor, resulting in injuries to both a suspect and the officer. The officer, identified as Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, succumbed to his injuries at a Toronto hospital. He had served with the Toronto Police Service for 18 years and was a member of a special Task Force Unit. Police Chief Myron Demik expressed the profound impact of the loss on the police family.

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This loss will have a profound impact on the Toronto Police Family. Our Service, our members, and all members of the larger policing family are deeply saddened

Nicholas Bennett, 19, was arrested at the scene with gunshot wounds and will face first-degree murder charges in connection with the officer's death. A second suspect, Zara Jabbi, also 19, remains at large, described as "armed and dangerous." Police have urged the public not to approach Jabbi and to call 911 immediately if sighted.

The March incident involved two individuals firing multiple shots at the U.S. Consulate building before fleeing. Canadian authorities treated it as a national security matter. U.S. prosecutors, in a court filing, have linked the consulate shooting to Mohammad Baqer Saad Al-Saadi, an Iraqi national allegedly operating a terrorist network with ties to Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah. Al-Saadi is reportedly implicated in discussions about the consulate shooting, according to U.S. authorities.

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If you see him, do not approach. Call 911 immediately.