US consulate Toronto shooting damages building; no injuries reported
Toronto police said a gunshot struck the US Consulate General, the second such incident at the building in four months.
By Lucas Ferreira · Science & Environment Writer
2 min read
A US consulate Toronto shooting early Monday damaged the building’s exterior but caused no injuries, Toronto police said. The incident matters because it is the second time in four months that gunfire has hit the US Consulate General in the city.
Police said officers found a shell casing after at least one round was fired outside the consulate. The building’s facade was damaged, according to police.
A white sedan was seen leaving the area at about 5 a.m. local time, or 09:00 GMT, police said. Officers briefly followed the vehicle but ended the pursuit because its speed created safety concerns, according to police.
No arrests had been announced. Police said the investigation remains open.
What happened at the US consulate in Toronto?
The US Consulate General in Toronto was struck by gunfire, according to police, who said nobody was hurt. A shell casing was recovered, and investigators were looking for the person or people connected to a white sedan seen leaving the scene.
Toronto police did not offer a possible motive. They also did not say whether Monday’s shooting was connected to earlier incidents involving the same building.
A US Department of State spokesperson said Washington was working with Canadian authorities after the shooting. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he expected those responsible to be identified, prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law.
How does this connect to earlier shootings?
The consulate was also targeted on March 10, when several shots were fired at the same building, according to Toronto police. A police officer was later killed during an operation to arrest people accused in connection with that attack.
In June, Toronto police said young people in the Toronto area were being recruited through encrypted messaging apps to shoot at targets and record the attacks in exchange for payment. Police said the targets included synagogues, Jewish schools, a waste management company and the US Consulate.
Police did not present evidence publicly when making those June claims. They said at the time that investigations were continuing with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the US FBI.
The US Consulate General is one of Washington’s diplomatic posts in Canada and provides consular services while representing US interests in the region. Any shooting at such a site typically brings coordination between local police and US officials because of the security implications for diplomatic property.
Authorities have not announced whether extra security measures were put in place after Monday’s incident. The investigation continues as police seek the vehicle seen leaving the area and any suspects tied to the gunfire.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.