US Consulate in Toronto targeted in second shooting

Canadian police have launched an investigation after gunfire was reported outside the US Consulate in downtown Toronto.

TORONTO: Canadian police have launched an investigation after gunfire was reported outside the US Consulate in downtown Toronto.

The incident marks the second shooting near the diplomatic facility this year. Authorities are investigating the motive and examining security measures around the building.

Police were alerted after hearing a gunshot near the consulate on University Avenue. Officers later found evidence that a firearm had been discharged.

Investigators recovered a single shell casing from the area. The exterior of the consulate also suffered minor damage.

No injuries were reported in the incident.

Police said a white Honda sedan without a licence plate was seen leaving the area at high speed. Officers briefly pursued the vehicle but ended the chase because of safety concerns.

The consulate was previously targeted in a shooting on March 10. Several arrests were later made in connection with that incident.

Toronto police have also been investigating claims that criminal networks were recruiting young people to carry out shootings at prominent locations across the city.

Officials have previously mentioned the US Consulate and Jewish institutions among the reported targets.

Police have not yet established whether the latest shooting is linked to the earlier incident.

Authorities said it was too early to determine a definite motive. Security around the consulate has remained under close watch following previous incidents.

Police said in June that young people in the Toronto area were allegedly being offered money to carry out shootings at different locations.

The reported targets included synagogues, Jewish schools and the US Consulate.

Three people were arrested in connection with the March shooting. A police officer was killed during the operation linked to those arrests.

The US State Department said it was cooperating with Canadian authorities following the latest incident.

A department spokesperson thanked Canadian law enforcement agencies for their continued efforts to protect the consulate.

The US Embassy and consulates across Canada remain open. However, some routine consular services in Toronto have been rescheduled.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford condemned the latest incident. He also criticised recent shootings and acts of vandalism reported in Toronto.

Ford said police investigations were underway and called for those responsible to be identified and prosecuted.