In a disturbing escalation, the US consulate is the latest target, with Canada’s leader condemning the ‘unacceptable’ situation
Unidentified suspects fired multiple shots at the US consulate in Toronto early on Tuesday morning. Officials have labelled the shooting a “national security incident” and the police are actively investigating to determine the motive behind the attack.
According to the BBC, the shooting happened around 4:30 AM local time. Officers who arrived on the scene found shell casings and noticeable damage to the building, according to Frank Barredo, deputy chief of the Toronto Police. The US State Department confirmed it is aware of the situation and is closely working with local law enforcement to monitor developments.
Deputy Chief Barredo shared details with reporters on Tuesday afternoon, explaining that evidence indicates a white Honda CR-V approached the consulate. Two male suspects reportedly exited the vehicle, fired at the building with what appeared to be a handgun, and then quickly drove away. No one inside the building was harmed, as police noted the consulate is “highly fortified.”
The Toronto police have increased security at key posts
Authorities have already reached out to the US counterparts, including the FBI, and have ordered increased security at both US and Israeli diplomatic posts in Toronto and Ottawa. Deputy Chief Barredo acknowledged the public’s concern, saying, “We appreciate and understand the concern, how unsettling this is, how disturbing it is and how angry it may make some citizens.” He said the Toronto Police Service is treating this as an extremely serious event.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also weighed in on X, calling the shooting “an absolutely unacceptable act of violence and intimidation aimed at our American friends and neighbours.” He added that he expects all levels of police to use every resource to find those responsible.
This incident isn’t isolated in Toronto, unfortunately. Since the US-Israeli war on Iran began on February 28, several buildings in the city have been targeted. In the past week alone, three separate Jewish synagogues in Toronto were struck by bullets. Additionally, a Toronto boxing gym owned by an Iranian-Canadian critic of the Iranian government was also hit by gunfire last Monday.
While no one was injured in these other incidents, the police are investigating if there are any links between them and the consulate shooting. “It is not lost on us that the city has unfortunately experienced similar types of events,” Deputy Chief Barredo stated.
Meanwhile, this string of events extends beyond Canada’s borders. Norwegian police are currently investigating an explosion that occurred outside the US embassy in Oslo on Sunday. That blast caused minor damage to the building.
Officials there have released images of a person they believe is connected to the explosion and suspect may have placed an improvised device, possibly in an act of terrorism. They are also looking into a potential link to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving the US. The US State Department is also investigating the Norway incident.
These events come amid heightened fears of attacks against Americans and Israeli organizations by Iranian proxy groups. As of now, police have not identified or arrested any suspects in the Toronto consulate shooting, and the motives remain unclear. Investigations are ongoing in both Toronto and Norway to piece together these concerning incidents.
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