Toronto police and the RCMP are investigating after gunfire struck the United States Consulate in downtown Toronto early Tuesday.
Police were called to the consulate building at 361 University Ave. at about 5:29 a.m. and they located shell casings and damage to the exterior of the building after arriving.
“There were people inside the building, however the building is highly secure and fortified, and there were no injuries,” Barredo told reporters during a morning press conference outside the consulate.
Police believe the shooting may have happened earlier, around 4:29 a.m.
Investigators say a white Honda CR-V was seen travelling west on Dundas Street before turning south onto University Avenue and stopping outside the consulate. Two individuals then exited the vehicle, fired a handgun toward the front of the building and returned to the vehicle before driving southbound.
Police are asking anyone who may have been in the area around 4:30 a.m.
RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather said the federal police force’s Integrated National Security Enforcement Team has joined the investigation.
“It is definitely a national security incident because we had the U.S. consulate struck by gunfire,” Leather said. “Whether it is a terrorist event or not will be determined through the investigation in the coming days and weeks.”
Leather said RCMP officers are working with Toronto police, federal agencies and international partners.
Security has also been increased around diplomatic sites in Toronto and the Ottawa region. Leather said heightened measures currently apply to the U.S. and Israeli consulates.
Police said multiple shots were fired, but investigators have not yet confirmed the exact number.