The tragic events that unfolded on Saturday evening at the Salsa on St. Clair festival have left the city of Toronto in shock. At least two men were killed, and four people were hospitalized after a pair of gunmen opened fire in the midst of the crowded event.
A law enforcement source suggests that the men who died may have received the ultimate form of street justice, as they allegedly started the gunplay and had guns on them. The source stated that both victims "signed their own death warrants" and that "the only silver lining is that no innocents died."
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow is urging Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to work with his American counterpart to stem the flow of illegal guns coming into Toronto from the United States. Chow expressed confidence in the Toronto police's ability to find those responsible and pledged her full support with whatever resources are needed.
Deputy mayor and councillor Mike Colle condemned the gangster violence that marred the peaceful family festival, stating that those responsible must be caught and put away for 20 years. Colle emphasized that this kind of violence threatens all public events and must come to an end.
Toronto police reported that approximately 13,000 people were at the event when gunfire broke out near St. Clair Ave. West and Arlington Ave. Police recovered two firearms and established three crime scenes but have yet to make any arrests. The investigation is ongoing, and police are asking people to avoid the area.
Chow described the shooting as "reckless and disgusting" and expressed her deep concern for the pain and fear caused by senseless gun violence. The festival's Sunday portion was cancelled as police continue to work around the clock to find those responsible.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw posted on social media, stating that the brazen violence witnessed at the festival is "heartbreaking and unacceptable." The city's residents and officials are coming together to demand an end to this kind of senseless violence.
