Mar 9 • 06:13 UTC 🇬🇧 UK Sky News

Shooting at US consulate in Toronto treated as 'national security incident'

The shooting at the US consulate in Toronto is being treated as a national security incident following an investigation by local police.

An early morning shooting at the US consulate in Toronto has prompted authorities to treat the incident as a national security matter. Police responded shortly after 5:30 am when reports emerged of gunfire directed towards the diplomatic building. Upon arrival, they discovered evidence of gunfire, including spent shell casings, confirming that the consulate was indeed targeted. Fortunately, there were individuals inside the building at the time; however, no injuries have been reported.

The investigation has drawn attention from both local law enforcement, represented by Deputy Police Chief Frank Barredo, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). They have stated that while they are working to gather more information about the specific circumstances and motives behind the attack, the act itself raises significant concerns regarding the safety of diplomatic missions. Initial eyewitness accounts described two men exiting a white SUV and firing at the consulate before fleeing the scene, leading to heightened security measures around both the US and Israeli diplomatic locations in Toronto.

Authorities are continuing to assess the implications of this shooting not just for consular security but also for broader national security in Canada amidst global tensions. The event underlines the vulnerability of diplomatic sites to random violence and emphasizes the necessity for rigorous protection protocols. The situation is still developing, and police are urging anyone with further information to come forward as they continue their investigation into this serious incident.

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