Toronto festival shooting kills two, wounds four; shooters flee
Toronto deputy police chief Frank Barredo says no arrests have been made so far.
TORONTO — Gunfire broke out at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival on Saturday night, resulting in the tragic deaths of two men and the injury of four others as thousands fled the yearly celebration of Latin culture.
The shooting happened just after 8 p.m. near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where approximately 13,000 individuals had gathered for the festival’s kickoff. Toronto police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo stated that two firearms were recovered, and investigators were examining three different crime scenes.
Barredo explained during a late-night press briefing at a command post near the festival grounds that there was an exchange of gunfire between individuals targeting each other. Although there were concerns of an active shooter, police later determined there was no active shooter.
The police found six victims with gunshot wounds. Barredo mentioned that two men were declared dead at the scene, while the other four injured individuals were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. No arrests were made by late Saturday, and the search for the shooters was still ongoing.
Valerie Rodriguez recounted seeing people running and screaming while she was seated outside a nearby restaurant. Rodriguez said they were urged to lie on the floor, which caused fear due to the uncertainty of the situation. “A bunch of people told us to lie down on the floor; we got scared because we didn’t know exactly what was happening,” said Rodriguez.
Patsy Gutierrez, a vendor at the festival, watched people flee as she attended to customers. She expressed disbelief at such incidents occurring at these types of events. “Everybody started getting frantic, and then we stopped serving,” Gutierrez said. “I don’t think it should be something that’s happening in these types of events.”
Police officers and other law enforcement personnel are seen at the intersection of St. Clair West and Arlington Avenue, near the site of a shooting that occured at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival in Toronto on the evening of July 11, 2026. Photo: Laura Proctor/AFP via Getty Images.
The Salsa on St. Clair Festival, now in its 22nd year, is a significant Latin cultural event in Canada, attracting families, children, and seniors for live music, dancing, food, and performances. The festive atmosphere turned chaotic as attendees dispersed in various directions, seeking refuge in restaurants and shops.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow expressed deep concern over the violence, labeling it as reckless and irresponsible to happen during a family-oriented festival.
Barredo characterized the investigation as complicated due to the large number of people on-site and the substantial evidence to analyze. He anticipated reviewing extensive video footage and witness testimonies in the upcoming days.
Premier Doug Ford denounced the shooting on X, calling it devastating and emphasizing the need to bring the perpetrator to justice.
Prime Minister Mark Carney conveyed horror at the incident, offering prayers to the affected families, individuals in critical condition, and all impacted by the tragedy.
A significant police presence continued in the vicinity late Saturday, with Barredo confirming that the area had been secured. “Toronto is one of the safest cities in the world, but we are three million people, and unfortunately we are not immune,” said Barredo. He advised the public to steer clear of the neighborhood while the investigation proceeded, underscoring that although Toronto is generally safe, incidents like these can still occur in a city of three million people.