Toronto Annual Salsa in St. Clair The festival has been canceled after the event was marred by gunfire on Saturday night that left two people dead and four others injured.
Toronto Policeparamedics and firefighters rushed to the festival in St.
As first responders tried to take control of a chaotic scene where 13,000 participants tried to run for cover, they confirmed that two people had died and two weapons had been recovered.
Four other people suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital.
Speaking at the scene Saturday night, Toronto police said there were three crime scenes.
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They said it was not an active shooter, but instead were working on the theory that there was “an exchange of gunfire” in the crowd by two people “aiming at each other.”
In a statement, the organizers of Salsa on St.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the shooting at the St. Clair Salsa Festival early Saturday evening,” organizers wrote.
“Due to the complex police investigation at the scene, we understand that the festival will not resume today, Sunday, July 12.”
So far, police have not released any suspect descriptions in the shooting or made any arrests.
The force’s homicide, firearms and gang officers are leading the investigation into the shooting.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow complained about the violence.
“I am deeply disturbed and outraged by this reckless, irresponsible act of violence,” she said.
“A bit in the middle of a festival where families, children, old people were attending. I’m speechless about how worried I am.”
Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “devastated” by the violence that marred the weekend.
“My thoughts are with the victims, their families and all those affected,” he wrote in a post on social networks.
“Thank you to the Toronto Police and our first responders for responding to this horrific incident. The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars.”
Prime Minister Mark Carney also said he was “appalled” by the violence.
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