A Toronto police officer was shot and killed in the line-of-duty early Thursday morning.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw said that Const. Marc Pinizzotto and members of the Emergency Task Force (ETF) were executing a search warrant connected to several shootings, including the shooting at the U.S. Consulate in March, when he was shot.
Pinizzotto was rushed from the scene near Black Creek and Trethewey drives to Sunnybrook hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The 43-year-old officer served with Toronto police for 18 years, including five years as a member of the ETF.
Condolences are rushing in following the news of Pinizzotto’s death. Here’s what some are saying:
Prime Minister Carney reacts
In a post on X, Prime Minister Mark Carney reacted to the news of Pinizzotto’s death, calling it a “tragedy.” He also noted that this is the second time this week that a police officer in Ontario was killed in the line of duty.
“Canada mourns the loss of these brave officers who dedicated their lives to protecting their communities,” he wrote.
Tarun Bali, 29, an OPP officer from Brampton was killed in a northern part of the province on Tuesday.
“My prayers are with their loved ones, their fellow officers, and their communities in this time of grief.”
‘A sobering reminder of the sacrifices and risks faced by police’: Premier Ford
Ontario Premier Doug Ford extended his sympathies on behalf of the people of Ontario to the family, loved ones and fellow service members of Pinizzotto.
“Today is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices and risks faced by police officers across Ontario every day as they work to keep our province safe,” he wrote in a post on social media.
Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles and interim Ontario Liberal leaderJohn Fraser also extended their sympathies.
‘Heartbreaking news for this city’: Mayor Chow
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow spoke outside Sunnybrook hospital alongside Demkiw, saying that the death of a police officer is “heartbreaking news for this city.”
“There are no words that can ease the pain of the family, the loved ones, and the colleagues across the service. They are very much in our thoughts as they face this profound loss,” she said, adding that she knew Pinizzotto’s mother for more than 20 years.
“Their grief is shared across this entire city. Police officers go to work every day, knowing the risk, putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others, and today is a devastating reminder of that sacrifice.”
‘Deep and profound sorrow’: Chief Demkiw
Demkiw confirmed the news of Pinizzotto’s death with “deep and profound sorrow” and said he informed the officer’s family of his passing himself.
“Words cannot describe the pain they are feeling…no words can capture the impact on Marc’s family, who expected him to come home today," he said.
‘Heartbreaking sadness’: Toronto Police Association head
Clayton Campbell, head of the Toronto Police Association, said Pinizzotto’s family is “devastated” by his death.
“He deserved to go home to them. Our members put their lives on the line every day, and it is a tragedy that Marc did not return home safety to his family,” he said.
‘Deepest condolences’: Pierre Poilievre
The Leader of the Official Opposition, Pierre Poilievre, offered his “deepest condolences” to Pinizzotto’s loved ones and colleagues after news of the deadly shooting broke.
“Today my thoughts are with them, and with all officers in uniform who selflessly put themselves in harm’s way to keep Canadians safe.”
U.S. Ambassador to Canada reacts
The U.S. Ambassador to Canada commented on the shooting on Thursday, saying that the thoughts and prayers of all Americans are with Pinizzotto’s family.
“I think it just exemplifies an example of the close cooperation that we have in law enforcement between the two countries,” he said, referring to the consulate shooting investigation.
Mississauga mayor says her father worked as cop in same area shooting occurred
Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish expressed her sympathies Thursday, and shared that her father started his policing career in the same area where the shooting took place.
“He said knocking on a strange door was always a dangerous moment,”
Polices services across the Greater Toronto Area offer condolences
The police chiefs of Durham, York, Peel, and Halton regions all took to social media to extend their condolences.
Chief Nishan Duraiappah noted that this is the second time this week that its policing community is mourning the loss of an officer killed in the line of duty. On Tuesday, an OPP officer from Brampton was killed in northern Ontario by a suspect who had reportedly fled from a hospital.
“This is a reminder of the risks officers face every day to protect our communities, without hesitation and always with courage.
CN Tower to go dark
The operators of the CN Tower say that the iconic Toronto landmark will dim its lights for the first five minutes of every hour tonight to honour Pinizzotto.
This is a developing story. More details to come.
