An unidentified individual fired shots outside the U.S. Consulate in Toronto, Canada, again on Monday. Police attempted to pursue the shooter by car but decided to call off the chase due to safety concerns.
Foreign news agencies reported that Toronto police are intensifying their investigation after gunfire was heard at the U.S. Consulate early Monday morning, 27 Jul 2026 GMT+7, marking the second such incident this year.
At about 04:45 local time on Monday, police officers stationed outside the consulate heard a single gunshot and saw a white car without license plates rapidly fleeing the scene.
Officers pursued the vehicle at high speed for a short time before ending the chase to prioritize public safety. No injuries have been reported, and it remains unclear how many individuals were involved in the shooting.
Preliminary checks revealed one shell casing at the scene and visible damage to the front of the consulate building.
The Monday shooting follows the recent arrest of three suspects in March in a similar case, which investigators link to a large network of contract shooters.
Toronto Police stated they are investigating the latest attack with cooperation from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and international law enforcement partners.
RCMP Staff Sergeant Jonathan Koh described the incident as "another concerning event," while Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow called the attack "particularly heinous."
Frank Barredo, Deputy Chief of Toronto Police, said at least two people were inside the consulate during the incident but confirmed the building is "very securely protected" and those inside likely did not hear the gunfire.
Barredo added the investigation continues, with citywide police on alert for suspects. He pledged, "We will bring those responsible to justice."
The U.S. Consulate in Toronto posted on X, thanking police for their swift response to the incident.
Canadian police have been stationed outside the consulate since March, after gunfire outside was deemed a "national security incident," with no injuries reported then.
In June, police raided related target locations connected to the shootings, during which 43-year-old Police Sergeant Mark Pinizzotto died in the line of duty.
Authorities subsequently arrested several suspects aged 18 to 19 on charges related to multiple shootings, including the March consulate incident, as part of a large contract shooter network.
Additionally, over the past weekend, two Jewish-owned bakeries in the city were targeted, with at least one being shot at. Police say there is currently no evidence linking these events but have not ruled out the possibility.
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Source:bbc