Toronto police chief seeks tough penalties for public attacks like festival shooting

“We need some reforms that address that and recognize that if you pull out a gun in a public space, in a public square or the Eaton Centre or any other public gathering and fire it indiscriminately, that should be treated with the utmost seriousness in the law,” he said at a press conference also attended by Mayor Olivia Chow.

“And if someone dies as a result of that, there should be no debate on what the motive was behind that shooting. That should be a pathway to first-degree murder in-and-of itself and that’s the reforms we’re looking to see our federal government consider.”

Demkiw said police were investigating two other Toronto shootings over the weekend for any potential links between them.

The second day of the Salsa on St. Clair festival was cancelled Sunday as police continued their investigation. The annual event celebrates Latin culture, food and music.

Chow called the shooting “reckless and disgusting,” and emphasized a message similar to one she shared in a social media post earlier Monday that called on the federal public safety minister to “stem the flow of illegal American guns coming into Toronto’s streets.”

The mayor and chief both emphasized how integral street festivals are to Toronto’s culture.

“We will not let reckless criminals stop Toronto’s tradition of outdoor street festivals,” Chow said.

“In difficult times, Toronto will shine. And I want to thank Torontonians for looking after each other like always,” she said.

Businesses and residents along St. Clair West described safety concerns Sunday when only a few businesses had opened by noon.

Redon Hoxhaj was on his way to a café he visits every Sunday when he found out it was closed, and said he felt “sad” and “a bit afraid” after the shooting.

Restaurant owner Tomer Markovitz said the festival should move next year, “somewhere else that they can contain it.”

Demkiw said there have actually been fewer shootings this summer than last year, but acknowledged that the data doesn’t always align with how residents actually feel about crime.

“Shootings are down 26 per cent in the city compared to the same time last year but when a brazen shooting occurs in a public setting, like happened this weekend it understandably shakes the sense of security that Torontonians expect and deserve,” he said.

Demkiw said that police will continue to do everything they can to tackle gun violence but that “everyone has a role to play.”

“Legislators, parents, schools, school boards, community organizations and all other partners have an essential role to play in intervening and preventing gun violence in our city,” he said.

Demkiw and Chow both pointed to the successful security measures the city took during the FIFA World Cup, which saw Toronto host six games.

Demkiw said that they learned a “great deal” and will continue to expand security measures at events on a case-by-case basis, such as through “controlled access points and security screenings.”

Police did not share information about suspects or the relationship of those injured in the crossfire.

“We’re not saying anything about suspects at this time … The amount of video and witness statements to go through is exceptional,” said Demkiw.

Scores of people turned out later Monday for a candlelight vigil outside St. Matthew’s United Church, not far from where the weekend violence erupted.

A sacred fire was lit and prayers were said. A moment of silence was also observed.

Jenni King Feheley, a pastor at the neighbouring St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church, said the team at St. Matthew’s asked her to attend.

She said she learned of the shooting from her husband, also a pastor, after visiting a friend in hospital.

“My first thoughts were, ‘Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy,'” she said.

Feheley said she hoped the vigil would bring healing to victims’ families and the greater community.

Asked what she would say to the families, she said: “Bless you.”

“May it be that I never needed to give a message to you. Reach out if you need to.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 13, 2026.

— With files from Sharif Hassan

Monique Kasonga, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Toronto police chief seeks tough penalties for public attacks like festival shooting

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