Toronto officer killed in raid linked to US consulate shooting probe

TORONTO: A city preparing to welcome the world for football’s biggest stage was instead shaken by tragedy overnight after a Toronto police officer was killed during a high-risk operation connected to an earlier shooting outside the US consulate.

The officer, identified as 43-year-old Marc Pinizzotto, died after an exchange of gunfire during a raid at a residential high-rise early Thursday morning, according to Toronto Police.

Pinizzotto was not a rookie facing his first dangerous assignment. He had spent 18 years serving the force, including five years with the Emergency Task Force — a specialist unit trained for some of the city’s most challenging and dangerous operations.

Police said officers were executing search warrants tied to an ongoing investigation into multiple shootings, including a March incident in which gunfire was directed at the US consulate building in Toronto.

Authorities previously described that earlier attack as a national security matter.

Investigators said the officer was part of a coordinated operation involving several warrants across the city when violence erupted.

One suspect was shot during the exchange and taken to hospital in critical condition. Police later identified him as 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett and announced that he is expected to face a murder charge related to the officer’s death.

Another suspect, 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, remains at large and has been described by police as armed and dangerous. Authorities urged the public not to approach and to immediately contact emergency services with information.

The March consulate shooting had raised security concerns after suspects allegedly fired at the building before fleeing. No injuries were reported at the time, with officials noting that the facility’s security measures prevented casualties.

As news of Pinizzotto’s death spread, tributes quickly followed.

Toronto Police leadership spoke emotionally about the loss, describing deep sorrow across the department and local community. City officials also honoured the officer’s service and extended condolences to his family.

The incident also drew attention from US representatives attending events in Toronto, who highlighted the cooperation between Canadian and American law enforcement agencies.

The tragedy comes at a difficult moment for the city, just as Toronto prepares to host a major FIFA World Cup fixture.

But for many, attention has shifted from celebration to remembrance — and to honouring an officer who never returned home from duty.