Shots Fired Near US Consulate in Toronto, Investigation Underway

Police in Toronto say shots were fired near the United States consulate early Tuesday morning, prompting an investigation now being treated as a national security incident. No injuries have been reported.

Local police said they responded to reports of an incident at about 5:29am local time (09:29 GMT). Officers arriving at the scene found evidence indicating that a firearm had been discharged near the diplomatic facility.

Authorities have not identified a suspect and say the motive remains unknown.

Chief Superintendent Chris Leather of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police later confirmed that the case is being investigated as a “national security incident”.

The shooting occurred during a period of heightened tension surrounding the US-Israel war with Iran, which has triggered protests and counter-protests in several cities, including Toronto.

In the days leading up to the incident, demonstrators had gathered outside the US consulate. Some protesters called on the public to say “no to an unjust war”, while others voiced support for the US-Israeli campaign, describing it as a “rescue mission”.

Canadian officials quickly condemned the gunfire and stressed that violence targeting diplomatic sites would not be tolerated.

“The shooting that took place at the US consulate early this morning is an absolutely unacceptable act of violence and intimidation aimed at our American friends and neighbours,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said in a statement.

“Everyone at all levels of government and across Canada needs to make clear that there is zero tolerance for this sort of intimidating and dangerous behaviour.”

The US Department of State said it was monitoring the situation closely and was in contact with Canadian authorities.

Security around diplomatic buildings in Toronto has been tightened following the incident.

Tuesday’s shooting also comes after a series of other recent gunfire incidents in the Greater Toronto Area. Over the past week, three synagogues were struck by gunfire, though no injuries were reported.

Local media earlier in March also reported gunfire at an Iranian-owned gym in the Thornhill neighbourhood.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow addressed the situation Tuesday, linking the latest incident with the broader climate of tension surrounding the conflict.

“The US consulate was shot at. This comes after shootings at synagogues,” Chow said. “This cannot stand.”

Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also condemned the incident.

“Canada will never tolerate intimidation and violence of any kind, including towards our American friends in Canada,” Anandasangaree said in a social media post.. Authorities there said the blast is being investigated as a possible act of terror, though other motives are also under consideration.