Canadian officials are condemning what they described as a “reprehensible act of violence” after gunfire was directed at the U.S. Consulate General Toronto early Tuesday morning.
Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. Police said the shots caused damage outside the building, but none penetrated the structure itself.
The incident occurred at around 4:30 a.m., when two individuals exited a white Honda CRV and fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene, according to Toronto police.
National security investigation underway
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Chief Superintendent Chris Leather called the shooting a national security incident, saying federal authorities are working closely with local law enforcement to determine a motive.
Leather added that security will be increased at diplomatic sites across the country, including American and Israeli consulates, as well as embassies in Ottawa.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney described the shooting as an attempt at intimidation and said federal agencies would dedicate all necessary resources to support the investigation.
“The RCMP and federal agencies will devote all needed resources to support the Toronto Police Service in their investigation, and to ensure that the perpetrators of these violent acts are identified and brought to the full weight of justice,” Carney said in a statement.
He also noted that the government’s Incident Response Group had recently reviewed potential changes to Canada’s threat landscape, emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and stronger domestic security measures.
Heightened tensions and ongoing probe
Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said both suspects were involved in firing the weapon. Investigators recovered shell casings at the scene and are analyzing evidence, including a released image of the suspect vehicle.
No further details about the suspects have been made public.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, which has sparked demonstrations in Toronto. The city is home to a large Iranian community, and protests have taken place outside the U.S. consulate in recent weeks, both in support of and opposition to U.S. policy.
Officials have not confirmed any connection between the shooting and those demonstrations, and the motive remains under investigation.
For now, authorities say the focus is on identifying those responsible and ensuring the safety of diplomatic missions and the public as the investigation continues.
