Two Dead, Four Injured in Toronto Salsa Festival Shooting

A shooting erupted at the bustling "Salsa on St. Clair" festival in Toronto on Saturday, leaving two men dead and at least four others seriously injured. Police reported that two individuals exchanged gunfire amidst thousands of festival-goers, including many families with children.

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I was scared, I left.

Authorities have secured two firearms from the scene and initially reported an active shooter situation, which was later clarified. While no arrests have been made, investigators are exploring the possibility that more than two people were involved in the deadly exchange. Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo indicated that the shooting is believed to be a "settlement of scores within the criminal milieu," posing a significant danger to the over 13,000 attendees.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his dismay on social media platform X, calling the incident "terrible" and extending his thoughts to the victims' families. He also commended the "courage and quick action" of police and emergency services for preventing a larger tragedy. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow stated she was "deeply shocked and angered" by the "reckless and irresponsible act of violence" that disrupted the vibrant community event.

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I am horrified by the shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival. My thoughts are with the families of those killed.

Eyewitness accounts described initial confusion, with one attendee mistaking the gunshots for fireworks. Panic ensued as people fled the scene, and police quickly halted the music and secured the area. This incident follows other recent gun violence events in Canada, including a shooting in Montreal in late June that resulted in two deaths and an attack on a school in Tumbler Ridge in February.

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I am deeply shocked and angered by this reckless and irresponsible act of violence in the middle of our festival.