The Toronto Police Service held a press conference today to update the media on the spate of deadly shootings that rocked the city over the past weekend. In a briefing led by Inspector Paul Krawczyk from the Gun and Gangs Unit and Superintendent Paul MacIntyre of the Organized Crime Enforcement Unit, the police detailed their ongoing efforts to curb the alarming rise in gun violence.
Toronto experienced an unusually violent weekend, with 11 shootings occurring across 10 different divisions in the city. Among these incidents, five involved firearm discharges, three resulted in injuries, and tragically, three ended in homicides. On Sunday, September 2nd alone, there were five reported shootings, adding to the growing concern about gun-related violence in the city.
“These shootings took place from one end of the city to the other,” Inspector Krawczyk stated, emphasizing the widespread nature of the violence. At this time, police do not believe the incidents are connected, though investigations are ongoing. “We understand that events like these can spread fear in the community,” Krawczyk added, urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities to the police.
The weekend’s violence has intensified the focus on Toronto’s gun problem. According to Inspector Krawczyk, the Toronto Police Service seized six firearms over the weekend, with arrests made in connection to these seizures. Visuals of the confiscated weapons were displayed during the briefing, illustrating the scale of the problem that law enforcement faces.
Inspector Krawczyk highlighted several incidents from the weekend to illustrate the rapid response by the police:
- Friday, August 30th: A firearm was discharged on Dixon Road, leading to the arrest of two individuals within seven hours. A Glock handgun was recovered during the operation.
- Saturday, August 31st: Officers responded to an assault and threatening call at Lawrence Avenue East and Victoria Park Avenue, where they arrested one male and seized a firearm.
- Sunday, September 1st: Police responded to an assault on Sudbury Street near Queen Street West. A suspect was arrested, and another firearm was confiscated.
- Monday, September 2nd: Members of the Gun and Gangs Unit executed a search warrant on Veale Avenue, resulting in the arrest of one person and the seizure of a firearm.
- Early Morning, September 3rd: A long gun was seized following an attempt to stop a stolen vehicle. Two officers sustained minor injuries during the incident, while the suspects remain at large.
Although Krawczyk could not provide extensive details on the ongoing homicide investigations, he assured the public that the investigations are in the early stages, with more information to be released later in the day.
Superintendent Paul MacIntyre provided an overview of the Toronto Police Service’s broader strategy to combat the surge in violence. He described an “all-hands-on-deck” approach, emphasizing that the service is leveraging intelligence-led policing to tackle the issue.
In 2024 alone, the Toronto Police Service has seized 491 crime guns, with 85% of these weapons traced back to the United States. This highlights the cross-border nature of the problem and underscores the need for coordinated efforts at various levels of law enforcement.
Superintendent MacIntyre also spoke about the importance of community engagement in preventing youth involvement in crime. The Community Partners and Engagement Unit has been active in various initiatives aimed at keeping young people out of trouble, including educational programs and community outreach efforts. In each of the city’s 16 divisions, neighborhood community officers work closely with residents, particularly youth, to foster positive relationships and prevent crime.
“Our officers are involved in programs that teach kids how to cook, clean, and excel in school,” MacIntyre explained. “These programs are about giving young people the upper hand and keeping them safe.”
On the investigative side, Superintendent MacIntyre assured the public that every shooting over the weekend received a full response from specialized shooting teams. These teams are actively pursuing leads, and the superintendent expressed confidence that arrests will be made soon.
He also highlighted the Gang Exit Strategy, which aims to help vulnerable youth avoid gang involvement. Last year, over 700 young people were referred to this program, and the efforts continue this year. “This is a comprehensive approach by the Toronto Police Service to address the root causes of violence and provide alternatives to at-risk youth,” MacIntyre said.
Inspector Ted Lioumanis from the Homicide Unit addressed the recent murders, including the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy, which the police believe was targeted. Multiple rounds were fired at the victim, and although it is early in the investigation, the police are actively gathering evidence, including surveillance footage from nearby businesses.
Inspector Lioumanis confirmed that there are no links between the three recent homicides, dispelling any rumors of a connection. The police continue to investigate all leads and are focused on bringing those responsible to justice.
Toronto’s law enforcement faces a challenging road ahead, but with continued efforts and community support, there is hope that the tide of violence can be stemmed. The police have vowed to keep the public informed as new developments emerge in the ongoing investigations.