TORONTO: Two unidentified men opened fire at the United States consulate in Toronto early Tuesday in what authorities described as a potential national security incident.
According to Toronto police, the suspects arrived near the diplomatic mission in a white SUV at around 4:30 a.m. local time. They then exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds from a handgun toward the consulate building before fleeing the scene.
Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo told reporters that several people were inside the facility at the time of the shooting. However, the building’s security measures prevented injuries.
“This building is highly secure and highly fortified, and there were no injuries,” Barredo said.
Officials said investigators are working to identify the suspects and determine their motive.
Security increased at diplomatic missions
Authorities have increased security around American and Israeli diplomatic sites in Toronto and the Canadian capital, Ottawa, following the shooting.
Chief Superintendent Chris Leather of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said the incident qualifies as a national security concern because a foreign diplomatic facility was targeted.
“Whether it’s a terrorist event will be subject to the investigation,” Leather told reporters.
The investigation involves cooperation between Canadian authorities and US agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Canada’s intelligence service, the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.
Meanwhile, Pete Hoekstra described the shooting as “deeply troubling” but expressed confidence in the Canadian investigation. He said diplomatic operations would continue despite the incident.
The attack occurred days after protests outside the consulate condemning the Middle East conflict triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran.
Police are also examining whether the shooting could be connected to recent gunfire incidents targeting several synagogues in the Toronto area. However, investigators said it remains too early to confirm any link.
