The Toronto Police Service is investigating an incident in which shots were fired at the Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School early Saturday morning. The incident, which occurred shortly before 5 a.m., has raised significant concerns within the community, especially among the students, parents, and staff of the school located at Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West.
According to preliminary police reports, the suspects arrived at the school in a dark-coloured vehicle. They exited the vehicle and opened fire on the building, causing damage to the front of the school. Officers responding to the scene confirmed evidence of gunfire, but there were no reported injuries.
In a press briefing, Inspector Paul Krawczyk of the Guns and Gangs Task Force emphasized that while the investigation is ongoing, it is not being treated as a hate crime at this stage. “It’s too early in the investigation to say whether it is or not. We’re not going to ignore the obvious, but it would be wrong to guess at this point,” Krawczyk stated. The Hate Crime Unit is involved in the investigation to ensure all possibilities are thoroughly explored.
Inspector Krawczyk acknowledged the fear and anxiety such an incident can cause within the community, particularly when it involves a school. He reassured residents that the police are committed to community safety and will be increasing their presence in the area. “You will see an increased presence not only in this neighborhood but also at other schools and synagogues to ensure public safety,” he said.
Police officers will be conducting door-to-door visits and speaking with local businesses to gather any information or video footage that might aid in the investigation. Krawczyk urged the community to cooperate with the officers and share any relevant information. He also requested that anyone with video footage of the incident refrain from distributing it publicly to avoid interfering with the investigation.
The investigation is being led by the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force with support from the Hate Crime Unit. Inspector Krawczyk noted that while multiple suspects were involved, specifics about the number of shots fired or the exact damage to the school building have not been disclosed. The suspects are described as having used a dark-coloured vehicle, but further details are being withheld to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
Inspector Krawczyk emphasized the importance of public cooperation in solving the case. He asked anyone with information or video evidence related to the incident to contact the police directly at 416-808-2510. “Even if an officer doesn’t come to your door, if you think you saw anything suspicious around the time of the incident, please contact the police,” he urged.
During the press briefing, questions were raised about the broader atmosphere in the city concerning anti-Semitic actions and other hate crimes. While Krawczyk refrained from addressing broader societal issues, he reiterated that the current focus is on thoroughly investigating the incident at Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School.
The Toronto Police Service continues to prioritize community safety and is taking all necessary steps to ensure the incident is fully investigated. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
As the investigation progresses, the police will provide updates to keep the community informed. In the meantime, the increased police presence aims to reassure the public and deter any further incidents.