U.S. Consulate General in Toronto targeted in early morning shooting rampage
Police have opened an investigation into a “national security incident” after shots were fired at the U.S. consulate in Toronto.
Police in Toronto, Canada, are investigating after shots were fired into the U.S. consulate building early on March 10 in what authorities are calling a “national security incident.”
Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said in a press conference that the shooting occurred around 4:30 a.m. on March 10, and officers were called to respond about an hour later. Police responded and found evidence of gunfire, including shell casings and damage to the exterior of the building.
There were people inside the consulate at the time of the shooting, but no one was injured because the structure is “highly secured and heavily fortified,” Barredo said. Toronto police said in a statement that there was damage to the building’s glass and doors.
Witnesses said a white Honda CR-V pulled up outside the consulate, and two men got out and fired handguns at the building, then returned to their cars and left the scene, Barredo said. Anyone with information about the suspect or relevant dashcam footage is asked to contact Toronto Police.
“I appreciate and understand the concerns of how unsettling this is, how upsetting this is, how angry this is going to be to some of our citizens,” Barredo said.
Royal Canadian Mounted Police Chief Superintendent Chris Leather said the shooting was being investigated as a “national security incident.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney said: “The firing of shots at the US Consulate General in Toronto early this morning was a reprehensible act of violence and an attempt at intimidation. I am relieved that no one was injured.”
Secretary Carney said the Canadian government has in recent days “considered potential changes in the threat landscape in Canada and emphasized the importance of continued vigilance to strengthen domestic security.”
Leather said there is no indication of a threat to the general public. The RCMP is working with local authorities and liaising with the U.S. FBI and Consulate General in the investigation.
Leather said investigators are looking into a potential motive for the shooting. Asked if police were investigating a connection to the recent shooting at a Toronto synagogue, Barredo said they would investigate any potential connections. Reza said the U.S. and Israeli consulates will have increased security measures in the area.
“At this time, these consulates deserve additional vigilance and security,” Leather said.
Barredo said the U.S. Consulate General in Toronto is a frequent site of protests.
Canada’s Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangary said in a statement on social media that the shooting was “absolutely unacceptable.”
“Canada will never tolerate intimidation or violence of any kind, including against our American friends in Canada,” Anandasangaree said.
The U.S. State Department is aware of the incident and is working with local law enforcement to monitor the situation, a spokesperson told USA TODAY in an email.
Police did not immediately release detailed descriptions of the two men believed to have been involved in the shooting. Toronto police released images of a white Honda that left the scene heading south on University Avenue.
This story has been updated to add new information.
