US Consulate in Toronto Shot at; Canada Investigates as National Security Incident
Canadian security authorities are conducting an intensive investigation after the United States Consulate building in Toronto came under gunfire on Tuesday morning local time. Although the incident caused damage to the building, it was reported to have resulted in no fatalities.
Toronto Police revealed that an eyewitness reported gunfire near the consulate building at 05:29 am, approximately one hour after the incident was estimated to have occurred.
Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barretto confirmed that the investigation team had found several pieces of evidence at the scene. “We found evidence of firearm discharge, bullet casings, and damage to the building,” Barretto stated.
Based on witness accounts and closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, two male individuals are suspected of firing shots using pistols towards the front of the consulate building. Both suspects then fled using a white Honda CRV.
Although staff were present inside the building during the incident, Barretto assured that they remained safe. The building’s stringent security features, which include metal and bulletproof glass, meant that staff likely remained unaware of the attack.
“This building is very safe and heavily fortified. No injuries have been reported,” Barretto added. The Toronto Firearms and Gang Task Force is currently leading the investigation with support from federal agencies.
The incident occurs amid heightened global tensions resulting from the conflict between the United States-Israel alliance and Iran. Days earlier, an explosion also rocked the US Embassy in Oslo, Norway.
The Inspector-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Chris Leather, stated that the force had activated the Integrated National Security Enforcement Team (INSET) to handle the case.
“At present, the INSET team has been engaged because this is a national security incident. We are working with Toronto Police and others to understand the perpetrators’ motivation,” Leather said.
Regarding alleged links to the Middle Eastern conflict or a recent series of shootings at synagogues in Ontario, Leather stated that this remains under investigation. “These matters significantly influence how we approach this issue,” he explained.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford speculated that the attack may have been carried out by an organised terrorist network. “I believe there are ‘sleeper cells’ around the world, in the US, in Canada,” Ford said in a separate press conference.
However, the RCMP stated it does not yet possess valid information to confirm the existence of such sleeper cells. Whether the attack will be classified as a terrorist act or otherwise depends on the results of the final investigation.
US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra described the incident as “deeply concerning.” Through a post on social media platform X, he expressed gratitude that no one was injured and affirmed that the US diplomatic mission would not be shaken.
“My team maintains close contact with Toronto Police and Canadian authorities. We have full confidence in their investigation. Our work continues; we will not be intimidated,” Hoekstra wrote.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also strongly condemned the incident. He described the shooting as “reprehensible violence and an attempt at intimidation.” Carney assured that the government would deploy all federal resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.
As a precautionary measure, Canadian authorities have now increased security status at all consulates and embassies, particularly those of the United States and Israel, to reduce tension in the situation over the coming weeks.