The vibrant salsa festival on St Clair Avenue in midtown Toronto was hit by a tragic shooting on the night of July 11, leaving two dead and six injured.
Police first received reports of an active shooter at approximately 20:12 local time, and by the time shifters arrived on the scene they had found six victims with gunshot wounds. Two of those individuals were pronounced dead at the festival’s location.
An exchange of gunfire between two people was confirmed by officers, with two firearms recovered. The cause of the shooting and any suspects remain under investigation, and no arrests have yet been announced.
Deputy Police Chief Francisco Barredo called the scene "very chaotic" and noted that the festival was carrying an estimated audience of 13,000. He clarified that police were managing three separate crime scenes and that the public would receive updates as more information emerged.
The Toronto Police urged anyone with information or witness statements to contact them immediately. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed being "horrified" by the incident and offered prayers to the grieving families.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the "senseless violence," stating that the responsible individual “must be caught” and viewed justice as imperative. He thanked first responders and expressed solidarity with victims and their families.
The festival, a 22nd‑year tradition celebrating Latin music, dance, and food, was temporarily halted by the shooting, leaving a city dominated by police presence and community mourning.
