A shooting incident at a pub in Scarborough, a suburb of Toronto, has left twelve individuals injured, prompting a widespread manhunt for three suspects still at large.
Details of the incident
The violent event occurred at approximately 10:39 PM local time on Friday, March 3, 2024, near the city center in eastern Toronto. According to police reports, among the twelve injured, six sustained gunshot wounds. Fortunately, authorities have stated that all injuries are non-life-threatening, with victims ranging in age from their twenties to mid-fifties.
Witnesses described seeing three male suspects involved in the shooting. One of the suspects, notably wearing a black balaclava, was reported to have fled the scene in a silver vehicle.
Community response and police action
In response to the shocking event, local law enforcement has mobilized all available resources to track down the assailants. Toronto’s Mayor Olivia Chow expressed her concern via a statement on social media, saying, “I am deeply troubled to hear reports of a shooting at a pub in Scarborough. This is an early and ongoing investigation – police will provide further details. My thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
The shooting marks a significant rise in the number of injuries from firearm incidents in the area compared to previous years. Data from the police division indicates that last year, shootings resulted in eight injuries and two fatalities. In total, 43 shooting-related deaths were recorded in Toronto in 2023, which has a population of three million residents.
While Canada generally experiences lower rates of firearm homicides than the United States, with a rate of 0.6 per 100,000 people compared to 4.5 per 100,000, the ongoing violence raises concerns within the community.