The Toronto Salsa festival shooting turned a night of music and celebration into chaos on Saturday evening. Two men died and at least five other people suffered injuries after gunfire erupted at the Salsa on St. Clair street festival. As a result, thousands of attendees fled in panic while police rushed to secure the area.

Toronto police issued a public warning at 8:20 p.m., alerting residents to an active shooter near St. Clair and Arlington Avenues. Consequently, officers moved quickly to lock down several blocks of St. Clair Avenue. In total, seven people were found with gunshot wounds, and two of them were pronounced dead at the scene.

Footage obtained by CityNews captured paramedics performing life-saving measures on a victim in the middle of a dense crowd. Meanwhile, witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots followed by screams as people scattered for cover. Although the scene was secured shortly after 9 p.m., a heavy police presence remained in the area overnight.

What Happened During the Salsa on St. Clair Shooting

An estimated 13,000 people had gathered for the free street festival, which is widely regarded as Canada’s largest Latino-themed cultural celebration. Therefore, the shooting placed an unusually large crowd directly in harm’s way. Two firearms were recovered at the scene, according to police.

Toronto Police Services Deputy Chief Frank Barredo addressed the incident at a press conference held Saturday evening. He explained that the violence did not appear random. Instead, he said, “This seemed to be an exchange of gunfire between individuals targeting each other.”

Barredo also condemned the attack in strong terms. He called it a “brazen” and “despicable” act that ended up “indiscriminately [put] vast numbers of people in great danger.” So far, police have not announced any arrests, nor have they said how many suspects they are searching for.

In a follow-up statement, police urged the public to stay away from the area while the investigation continues. “A large police presence remains in the area as officers continue their investigation,” they wrote. “Please continue to avoid the area and follow directions from emergency personnel.”

Officials React to the Toronto Salsa Festival Shooting

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow spoke at the late-night press conference and did not hide her reaction. She said she felt “disturbed” and “angry” after learning about the shooting. Similarly, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified” by reports of the violence.

Carney extended his condolences in a social media post shared Saturday evening. “My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event,” he wrote. He also praised the emergency response, adding, “My thanks to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy.”

Furthermore, Carney backed the ongoing investigation into the Toronto Salsa festival shooting. “Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” he added. His comments echoed the sentiment shared by several other political leaders that evening.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also weighed in shortly after the shooting. He said he felt “devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival.” In addition, he offered support to everyone affected, saying, “My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected.”

Ford thanked emergency crews for their response and called for justice. “Thank you to Toronto Police and our first responders for responding to this horrific incident,” he said. “The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars.”

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre described himself as “shocked” by the news. He offered sympathy to the victims’ families in a social media post. “Our prayers are with the families of the two individuals who passed away, and we hope for a full recovery for those injured,” he wrote.

Poilievre also called for swift accountability. “May the police find the monster responsible for this innocent loss of life and bring them to justice,” he added. Overall, leaders across the political spectrum condemned the shooting and voiced support for the victims.

What Comes Next

As the investigation unfolds, Toronto police have not released information about a motive beyond describing it as a targeted exchange between individuals. Meanwhile, the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the Toronto Salsa festival shooting, which struck during what should have been a joyous cultural celebration. Officers remain on scene, and updates are expected as the investigation progresses.