Toronto Hate-Crime Unit Probes Gunfire and Vandalism at Two Jewish-Owned Bagel Shops

Toronto police are investigating after two Jewish-owned Kiva’s bagel shops were damaged on Sunday in incidents being handled by the Toronto Police Service’s Hate Crime Unit. One location sustained window damage consistent with gunfire; the second had a broken window but investigators found no evidence that it was struck by a bullet. Police say there were no injuries.

Investigation Under Way

Officers are examining whether the two attacks are linked and are working to identify those responsible. "At this time, investigators are examining whether the incidents are connected and working to identify those responsible," police said. Duty Inspector Scott Bradbury told reporters that investigators have "all the resources available to thoroughly investigate this matter," according to footage from CTV, a CNN newsgathering partner.

The glass door of Kiva's Bagel Bar was shattered in the attack. - CTV

Community Reaction

The attacks shook neighbors who described the bakeries as community fixtures. "We live near the neighborhood, and this is where we come for our food, and we feel threatened and unsafe," one resident told CTV, saying she believes the community is being targeted. She added that the bakery staff currently have many people looking out for them.

Marjan Mekis, a daily customer, called the incident "beyond sad." "It feels very personal to me," he said. "I could have been in there, or anybody in this neighborhood. It could have been daytime as opposed to nighttime. Thank God no one was in there. But still, what does that do? Shooting a bullet into a bakery because you don’t like the fact that they happen to be Jewish. It’s not right."

Context

The incidents come amid heightened concern for Jewish communities in Canada following a deadly shooting in Montreal nearly a month earlier. Authorities say the Montreal gunman espoused antisemitic, misogynistic and anti-capitalist views in writings found by investigators; the attack killed two people, including a police officer and an Israeli citizen described as a beloved member of Montreal’s Jewish community, and the assailant was later killed after a shootout with police.

Marjan Mekis speaks about the attack in front of Kiva's Bagel Bar. - CTV

Earlier in June, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and other national leaders acknowledged a sharp rise in religion-motivated hate crimes and pledged increased funding for security at houses of worship and community institutions. Officials say Jewish Canadians continued to be disproportionately targeted in religion-motivated incidents last year.

Next Steps

Toronto police said the Hate Crime Unit is continuing to canvass the area, review surveillance footage and interview witnesses as they seek to determine motive and identify suspects. CNN has contacted Kiva’s for comment. Investigators ask anyone with information to contact Toronto police.