The final day of Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair festival has officially been cancelled after a deadly mass shooting incident erupted on Saturday night. Two people are dead and multiple others are injured in the area of St. Clair Ave. W. and Arlington Ave.
According to police, an active shooter was reported at approximately 8:10 p.m. The Salsa on St. Clair festival, which had closed down the street from Winona Dr. to Christie St., was taking place in the area. Six individuals were found with gunshot wounds and two people were pronounced dead at the scene.
A 40-year-old man, a 19-year-old woman, and another female were among those who were injured. Police also recovered two firearms at the scene and a vehicle was seen leaving the area. One video shows chest compressions being performed by emergency personnel on one victim.
Festival organizers expressed shock and sadness over the violence, saying their thoughts are with the families of the two persons killed, those who were injured, and everyone affected. Due to the complex police investigations, the festival will not resume today, Sunday, July 12.
The Toronto Police Department is advising people to stay away from the area. There is no suspect information at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Premier Doug Ford shared a statement online, saying he is "devastated by the senseless violence" at the festival. He expressed his thoughts with the victims, their families, and everyone affected, and thanked the Toronto Police and first responders for responding to the incident.
Other residents reacted to the shocking news, with some expressing outrage and sadness. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the violence, saying she is "disgusted and angered" by the shooting. She promised to ensure the Toronto Police have every resource they need to find those responsible and keep working to get guns off the streets.
