A shooting incident at a pub in eastern Toronto left a dozen people injured, in what authorities have labeled as a reckless act of violence. Police reported that three suspects entered the establishment and began firing without any warning.
Toronto Police Service Superintendent Paul MacIntyre gave details during a press conference, noting that emergency services received multiple calls around 10:40 p.m. Friday, regarding a shooting at the Piper Arms pub. The preliminary investigation indicated that three males were responsible for the attack, but there have been no arrests as yet.
During the press briefing, MacIntyre said one of the suspects was in possession of what appeared to be an assault rifle, while the other two wielded handguns. These individuals entered the bar, displayed their weapons, and indiscriminately opened fire on the patrons inside. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.
Upon arrival, police encountered 12 individuals with various injuries. MacIntyre confirmed that six of the victims had sustained gunshot wounds, though their injuries were not deemed life-threatening. The other six victims suffered from injuries caused by flying debris and shattered glass. He remarked that the victims were “extremely lucky” to have survived.
MacIntyre described the attack as “a brazen and reckless act of violence” that has deeply unsettled the community and the city. He expressed his shock at the incident, having reviewed security footage of the shooting.
Witnesses reported a suspect in a black balaclava fleeing the scene in a silver car. As the suspect remains at large, police advised residents to steer clear of the area.
In the aftermath of this incident, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow reported that she had communicated with Police Chief Myron Demkiw. According to Chow, “all necessary resources” are being deployed to address the situation. During a press briefing held on Saturday morning, Mayor Chow commented on the concerning scale of the shooting and the number of individuals injured, refraining from speculating on the motives behind the attack.
