Gunfire hit the U.S. consulate in Toronto early Tuesday morning, which authorities are describing as a “national security incident.”
According to Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Frank Barredo, two male suspects got out of a white Honda CR-V at approximately 4:30 a.m., fired guns at the heavily secured building, and then escaped.
Authorities reported that the CR-V drove west on Dundas Street West, then turned south on University Avenue, stopping in front of the consulate.
Multiple shell casings were recovered by investigators, who also discovered damage to the glass and door of the building.
Barredo stated that he thinks people were present inside the building during the shooting, but no injuries were reported.
Chris Leather, chief superintendent of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Ontario overseeing criminal operations, informed reporters that the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team has been activated and is collaborating with Toronto police, federal partners, and U.S. counterparts, including the FBI.
He noted that it’s premature to establish a motive or determine if the shooting will be classified as terrorism under Canada’s criminal code.
“Any form of intimidation, harassment, or harmful targeting of communities or individuals in Canada will not be tolerated,” Leather added.
As a precautionary measure, security has been heightened at the U.S. and Israeli consulates in Toronto and the Ottawa region.
According to officials, there is no evidence of a continuing threat to public safety while the investigation is ongoing.
A State Department official informed Digital that the agency is aware of the incident and is monitoring developments closely in partnership with local law enforcement.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford stated, “The shooting at the U.S. consulate early this morning is a completely unacceptable act of violence and intimidation directed at our American friends and neighbors.”
“All levels of government throughout Canada must make it clear that there is zero tolerance for such intimidating and dangerous behaviour, and that we will take all necessary steps to prosecute and punish those responsible to the maximum extent permitted by law,” he posted on X.