Shooting at U.S. Consulate in Toronto Sparks Manhunt

In Vancouver, British Columbia, a shooter fired at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto early Monday morning, marking the second such incident this year. Police reported no injuries, but a single shell casing was discovered, and there was damage to the building’s facade.

Toronto Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo stated that a high-speed chase followed the incident, lasting an hour; however, no arrest was made. The search for those responsible will continue, according to Barredo, who emphasized the gravity of the situation during a news conference. “We will bring the people responsible for this to justice,” he assured.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described the shooting as a “brazen attack” and warned those responsible that they would be caught. Despite heightened security, the consulate was targeted previously on March 10 by two suspects who allegedly fired multiple shots before fleeing in a stolen vehicle.

In relation to the March shooting, police arrested 18-year-old Sheldon Tracy-Stewart and 19-year-old Zara Jabbi last month. They face multiple charges, although these charges have not been tested in court. Since then, police have maintained a presence at the consulate.

Deputy Chief Barredo noted that a police cruiser, with lights on, and two security personnel were stationed at the consulate during the time of the recent shooting.

Authorities are investigating the motives behind both attacks. In June, Toronto police suggested that these shootings could be linked to intricate gun-for-hire networks also targeting synagogues in the city. Over the weekend, two prominent Jewish-owned bakeries were similarly targeted. Barredo mentioned that investigators have not excluded a possible connection between the incidents, adding that they will continue to follow the evidence.