Toronto police arrested 19-year-old Zara Jabbi in connection with a U.S. consulate shooting after security footage reportedly showed him sharing a gun while filming the attack. Authorities say Jabbi and others were "paid and hired by a foreign entity," part of a guns‑for‑hire network that uses encrypted apps to recruit vulnerable youths. The arrests followed raids that injured officers and led to the death of Constable Marc Pinizzotto during an attempted arrest. Police recovered U.S.-sourced handguns and say investigators believe the incidents aim to intimidate Jewish and other communities in Toronto.
Toronto Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Linked To U.S. Consulate Shooting; Probe Points To 'Guns‑For‑Hire' Network
Toronto police on Thursday arrested a man who was allegedly involved with several shootings, including one at the U.S. consulate in the city. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI
Toronto police have arrested 19-year-old Zara Jabbi in connection with a shooting at the U.S. consulate and several other recent shootings across the city, authorities said.
Officials said Jabbi was detained after security footage allegedly showed him and other suspects sharing a handgun while recording the attack on their cellphones. Investigators say the suspects were "paid and hired by a foreign entity," describing the operation as a guns‑for‑hire network that uses encrypted social apps to recruit vulnerable youths.
Last week’s series of raids and search warrants followed leads from surveillance video and online clips. The operations resulted in multiple injured officers and culminated in the death of Toronto Police Service Constable Marc Pinizzotto on June 11 during an attempted arrest of a suspect connected to the case.
What Officials Are Saying
"In order to get paid, they're required to film their attacks," TPS Chief Myron Demkiw told reporters. "Who is paying for this? This is what we are trying to determine."
Police reported recovering U.S.-sourced handguns that they believe have been used in a number of other shootings in the city. Based on video evidence and online posts, investigators say the incidents appear to form a "broader pattern" intended to sow fear in Jewish and other communities in Toronto.
Investigation Status
Authorities say the probe is ongoing as they seek to identify the foreign actors allegedly funding the attacks, any additional suspects, and the full scope of the network that may be recruiting and directing these individuals. Several people have been arrested in connection with the raids, and police continue to review digital evidence and collaborate with partners to trace the weapons and payments.
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