Toronto police have confirmed that shots were fired near the United States consulate in the city on Tuesday morning, though no injuries have been reported. Authorities say the incident is under active investigation.
Police responded to reports of gunfire at 5:29 a.m. local time (09:29 GMT), discovering evidence of a firearm discharge at the scene. Chief Superintendent Chris Leather of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police stated that the shooting is being treated as a “national security incident.” So far, no suspects have been identified, and no motive has been determined.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the act, describing it as “an absolutely unacceptable act of violence and intimidation aimed at our American friends and neighbours,” and stressed that all levels of government must make clear there is zero tolerance for such behaviour.
The U.S. Department of State said it is closely monitoring the situation and remains in contact with Canadian authorities.
While details remain limited, the shooting follows protests outside the U.S. consulate over the weekend related to the U.S.-Israel war against Iran. Demonstrators had clashed over opposing views of the conflict, with some calling for an end to the war and others supporting the U.S.-Israeli actions.
Security has been increased outside U.S. and Israeli diplomatic facilities in Toronto following the incident. The shooting also comes after three synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area were targeted by gunfire within a week, as well as an Iranian-owned gym in Thornhill. No injuries were reported in any of these cases.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the incident, linking it to the recent string of attacks and emphasizing that “this cannot stand.” Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also called the gunfire “absolutely unacceptable,” reaffirming that violence or intimidation against American personnel or any group will not be tolerated.
The reports coincide with an explosion at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, Norway, over the weekend, which authorities are investigating as a potential terrorist act, though other motives are also being considered.
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