Gunmen Kill Two At Canada’s Largest Latin Festival; Manhunt Underway

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

TORONTO, CANADA (Worthy News) – A manhunt was underway Sunday after two men were killed and four others were wounded in a shooting at Canada’s largest Latin street festival in Toronto, police said.

Investigators said the violence erupted when two groups exchanged gunfire amid a crowd of about 13,000 people attending the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto’s St. Clair West neighborhood.

Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said officers recovered two firearms at the scene, but no arrests had been made as investigators reviewed evidence and appealed for witnesses to come forward. Several suspects were believed to remain at large.

Police initially urged the public to avoid the area before later announcing that the scene had been secured.

FESTIVAL SHOOTING INVESTIGATION

Speaking at a late-night news conference, Barredo confirmed that both victims who died were men and stressed that early concerns about an active shooter proved unfounded.

“There was some concern about an active shooter. That turned out not to be the case,” Barredo told reporters. However, he warned that the gunmen “indiscriminately put vast numbers of people in danger” by exchanging gunfire in the middle of a crowded public festival.

Witnesses described scenes of panic as hundreds of festivalgoers fled for safety. Video footage obtained by Worthy News confirmed that many were screaming and running for their lives after gunshots were heard.

Valerie Rodriguez said she was sitting outside a nearby restaurant when people suddenly began screaming and running.

WITNESSES RECALL CHAOTIC SCENES

“A bunch of people told us to lay down onto the floor,” she recalled. “We got scared because we didn’t know exactly what was happening.”

Festival vendor Patsy Gutierrez said she was serving customers when she saw “a huge wave” of people running from the scene.

“Everybody started getting frantic, and then we stopped serving,” she said. “I don’t think it should be something that’s happening at these types of events.”

A large police presence remained around the festival, an annual celebration of Latin American culture featuring live music, dancing, food, and cultural performances. Organizers canceled the festival’s final day as the investigation continued.

OFFICIALS CONDEMN DEADLY SHOOTING

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the violence.

“I’m deeply disturbed and angry about this reckless and irresponsible act of violence right in the middle of a festival attended by families,” she said.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford offered his condolences, saying he was “devastated by the senseless violence” that claimed two lives and injured others.

It came as a setback for Toronto, Canada’s largest city, which has long been regarded as one of North America’s safest major urban centers. Fatal public shootings involving multiple victims remain relatively uncommon.

TORONTO SAFETY IN FOCUS

“Toronto is one of the safest cities in the world, but we are 3 million people, and unfortunately, we are not immune,” Barredo stressed.

Authorities said the investigation remained active Sunday as detectives worked to identify and apprehend those responsible for the deadly shooting.

Police also urged anyone with cellphone video or other evidence to come forward.

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