The U.S. Consulate in downtown Toronto was struck by gunfire early Monday, the second such attack this year. A security detail heard the suspected gunshot at 4:46 a.m.; a white Honda Accord with no plates fled the scene and later reached speeds above 87 mph before police ended the chase. Investigators found one shell casing and damage to the consulate facade; authorities are probing possible links to a March attack at the same consulate and recent vandalism of two Jewish-owned bakeries.
U.S. Consulate in Toronto Shot At for Second Time This Year; Fleeing Car Sparks High-Speed Chase
U.S. Consulate in Toronto shot at for 2nd time this year
The U.S. Consulate in downtown Toronto was struck by gunfire early Monday, officials said, marking the second time the diplomatic facility has been targeted this year.
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo of the Toronto Police Service told reporters that a police security detail near the consulate heard a noise consistent with gunfire at 4:46 a.m. EDT. An officer on site observed a white, late-model Honda Accord with no license plates speed away from the building and radioed the description to other units.
Officers later located the vehicle and pursued it northbound onto the Don Valley Parkway. The car reportedly reached speeds above 87 miles per hour, prompting officers to end the pursuit near Don Mills Road and the DVP in accordance with public-safety policies.
Evidence and Damage
At the consulate scene, investigators recovered a single shell casing and documented damage to the building's facade. Two security officers were inside the heavily fortified facility at the time; Barredo said they may not have noticed the shot.
Investigation and Context
While no motive has been confirmed, police said they consider the shooting may have been premeditated, noting the suspect vehicle lacked license plates and the attack occurred with a police cruiser nearby. Authorities are investigating whether this incident is linked to a March shooting at the same consulate and to recent vandalism and reported gunfire at two Jewish-owned bakeries in Toronto.
"I don't think it's just a fluke that there was no license plate on the vehicle," Deputy Chief Barredo said, calling the act "brazen" and "reckless."
Last month Toronto police arrested three suspects in connection with the March shooting; Constable Marc Pinizzotto was killed during a related police raid. Police earlier said that March incident was among a series of attacks they suspect were carried out by criminals hired to perform violent acts, though they have not publicly identified any clients.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described the latest attack as a "brazen attack" and said city officials will work with police to remove illegal weapons from the streets and to bring those responsible to justice. Federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said he was "appalled by the brazen shooting" and has offered full support to the Toronto Police Service.
The shooting comes amid strained Canada–U.S. relations in recent years, characterized by contentious rhetoric and trade disputes that have contributed to political friction between Ottawa and Washington.
UPI has contacted the consulate for comment. The investigation is ongoing and police asked anyone with information or video of the area around the consulate at 4:46 a.m. to come forward.
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