From celebration to chaos: Photos from Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair shooting
Gunfire erupted during Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair festival late Saturday, killing two people and seriously injuring four others, prompting a massive police response. Here's a look back in photos.
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Thousands of people packed St. Clair Avenue West on Saturday evening for the opening night of the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival before gunfire shattered the celebration (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman).
Police say an exchange of gunfire erupted shortly after 8 p.m. near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman).
Witnesses say hundreds of people fled in every direction as panic spread through the crowded street following the sound of multiple gunshots (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman).
Doorbell camera shows some attendees fleeing following shots fired (CP24 viewer photo)
Large crowds gathered around shooting victim as police work to contain the scene (CP24's Joanna Lavoie)
Emergency crews rushed into the festival as officers worked to secure the area and locate victims (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Toronto police established a large perimeter around multiple sections of the festival while investigators began gathering evidence. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Yellow police tape stretched across blocks of St. Clair Avenue West as access to the area was restricted. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Officers canvassed the area for surveillance footage and spoke with witnesses who were at the festival when the gunfire erupted. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Police say two men died following the shooting. One was pronounced dead at the scene while the other later died in hospital. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Four other people were transported to hospital with serious injuries, police said. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
The investigation spans multiple crime scenes, according to Toronto police. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Dozens of emergency vehicles lined nearby streets late into the evening. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Toronto police maintained a heavy presence throughout the neighbourhood as the investigation continued overnight. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Officers recovered two firearms during the investigation, police said. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Investigators described the case as complex because of the number of witnesses, videos and evidence that must be reviewed. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo speaks to reporters during a late-night update on the investigation. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Barredo said the shooting involved an exchange of gunfire between individuals who appeared to be targeting each other. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Barredo also clarified that while police initially warned of an active shooter, investigators later determined that was not the case. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow addressed reporters near the scene following the shooting. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Chow condemned the violence, calling it a reckless act that unfolded during a festival attended by families, children and seniors. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
The mayor thanked first responders while expressing condolences to the victims and their loved ones. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
“I’m deeply disturbed and angry about this reckless, irresponsible act of violence, and right in the middle of a festival attended by families, children, and seniors,” the mayor said. “Just beyond words, how disturbed I am.” (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
The investigation continued well into the night as officers searched for additional evidence. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
Still no arrests have been announced as of early Sunday morning, as investigators urge anyone with information to come forward. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman)
