In brief
A shooting at the 22nd‑year Salsa on St Clair festival on St Clair Ave. in mid‑town Toronto left two people dead and six others wounded. Police said the exchange involved two firearms. City officials, including Premier Doug Ford and Prime Minister Mark Carney, condemned the violence and urged witnesses to come forward.
At roughly 8:12 p.m. local time on Saturday, July 12, Toronto police received an active‑shooter call on St Clair Avenue during the annual Salsa on St Clair festival. The event was attracting an estimated 13,000 people according to Deputy Police Chief Francisco Barredo.
Police found six victims with gunshot wounds; two were pronounced dead on scene. Two firearms were recovered, but no suspect has yet been arrested and investigations remain underway.
Barredo described the scene as “very chaotic” and said the department was dealing with three separate crime scenes surrounding the incident. The public was advised to stay away from the area, where a large police presence remained.
Premier Doug Ford condemned the “senseless violence” and demanded the perpetrator be brought “to justice.” He thanked first responders and expressed solidarity on X. Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed horror, praying for families and the wounded.
The festival, now in its 22nd edition, featured live music, dance and street food. It had been expected to celebrate Latin culture and bring the community together, but the night ended in tragedy.
Witnesses are urged to come forward with any information about the shooting. Police continue to patrol the perimeter and remain on alert for further incidents.
