Two suspects, a 20-year-old man, and a 17-year-old boy, have been arrested after gunshots were fired at a Jewish girls’ school in Toronto last weekend, on Oct. 12, at the Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School in the Dufferin Street and Finch Avenue West area.
Robert Johnson, Deputy Chief of the City of Toronto, announced the arrests of the two individuals during a press conference at Toronto Police Headquarters. Both suspects have been charged with several offenses, including unauthorized possession of a loaded firearm. One of the weapons recovered, a Glock handgun, had been modified to function as a fully automatic firearm. The 17-year-old suspect, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, faces additional charges for breaching a release order.
The Toronto Police’s Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, working alongside the Hate Crime Unit, played a crucial role in identifying and apprehending the suspects. Forensic evidence gathered by police teams and the Ministry of the Solicitor General contributed to the swift arrests. While police have not yet disclosed a specific motive for the shooting, Deputy Chief Johnson stated that they are exploring all possibilities, including potential hate crime charges, given the timing and target of the attack.
The incident took place on Yom Kippur adding emotional weight to the attack. In light of rising global tensions and concerns about increased violence targeting the Jewish community, this shooting has amplified security fears within Toronto’s Jewish population.
“This is the second time this year that Bais Chaya Mushka Elementary School has been targeted. It’s deeply concerning, especially given the importance of the day it occurred on,” Johnson said, acknowledging the heightened unease. The previous shooting occurred on May 25, 2024, but police have yet to confirm a direct connection between the two incidents.
In response to the shootings, Toronto police have increased their presence in and around Jewish schools and places of worship across the city. Johnson emphasized that the safety of all communities, particularly during such sensitive times, remains a top priority for law enforcement.
“We want to assure the public that we are taking every step necessary to keep the community safe,” he said. “Our officers have been working closely with school administrators, parents, and community leaders to address concerns and ensure that everyone feels protected.”
The investigation into the motivation behind the attack is ongoing. Johnson noted that while the police are not ruling out any possibilities, they will thoroughly investigate any evidence suggesting that the incident was motivated by hate.
Police are encouraging anyone with further information about the shooting to come forward as they continue to investigate whether additional suspects are involved.
As the case moves forward, the Toronto community remains on high alert. With tensions already heightened, incidents like this underscore the need for vigilance, unity, and swift justice. While police have made significant progress in identifying and charging the suspects, the full motive behind the attack remains unclear, and authorities are determined to explore all avenues to bring justice to those affected.
There is no place for hate in Canada. Our nation is built on diversity, respect, and inclusivity, and we must remain vigilant against any attempt to undermine these values. Conflicts from abroad or external tensions should not be used to destroy the unity that binds us as Canadians. Together, we stand stronger when we protect and support one another, regardless of our differences.