In a tragic incident at one of Canada’s largest Latin celebrations, two individuals lost their lives and four others were injured when a pair of gunmen began shooting.
Frightened festival-goers dashed for cover as authorities initiated an intense search for two male suspects on Saturday night.
This violent outbreak took place amidst the bustling Salsa on St. Clair festival in Toronto, turning an evening filled with live music, dance, and joy into an urgent crime investigation.
Chaos ensued as gunshots echoed, with attendees frantically fleeing from the area of the incident.
Eyewitnesses recounted dramatic scenes where some protected their children, sought refuge in eateries, and toppled patio furniture in their haste.
Toronto Police confirmed officers were called to reports of a shooting at 8.12pm near the intersection of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where 13,000 people had gathered for the annual cultural event.
When officers arrived, they discovered six people suffering from gunshot wounds, two of whom were pronounced dead at the scene.
Four others were rushed for to hospital after suffering serious injuries.
Two people have been killed and four others wounded and suffering serious injuries after a gunman opened fire during a street festival in Canada
First responders wheel a stretcher through the festival area after five people were shot during the deadly attack on Saturday evening
Police officers secure the scene after a deadly shooting at Salsa on St. Clair in Toronto
During a press conference just before 11pm, Toronto Deputy Police Chief Frank Berto did not identify any of the victims, nor did investigators release any information about the two wanted suspects as the search continued late into the night.
Authorities described the situation as an active shooter investigation and urged members of the public to stay far away from the area while officers secured the scene.
‘As you can imagine, the information is flowing very very quickly when something like this is unfolding. We have now established about three crime scenes and homicide investigators and gun and gang crime investigators are on the scene conducting what is a very complex investigation into what took place,’ Chief Berto said.
‘The festival essentially has been moved back away from the scene and the investigation of this area will be cordoned off for some time while investigators go about their work.’
The shooting unfolded at one of Toronto’s best-known summer celebrations, which had closed a stretch of St. Clair Avenue West between Winona Drive and Christie Street for live entertainment, food vendors and cultural performances.
Ana Bettencourt was only one block from where the shooting happened and thought she could hear ‘muffled powerful fireworks.’
‘And then everyone started running, which obviously then I did the same. We just trampled over each other and were running and took one of the side streets,’ she told CTV.
When she heard a shooter was on the loose, she ducked for cover.
‘That was equally scary. If anything, it was scarier for me then. Myself plus a number of people of course, we started trampling around and running. I went to another alleyway and then ducked under a car, just waiting until the commotion died down,’ she said.
‘All I wanted to do was to get out of that area and whatever cost.’
Emergency crews respond to the scene after gunfire erupted just after 8pm local time
Armed Toronto police officers secure the intersection near St. Clair Avenue West as investigators respond to the deadly mass shooting
Thousands were expected to enjoy the festival which had returned for its 22nd iteration this year
The area was suddenly flooded with police officers, paramedics and emergency responders as investigators worked to determine exactly what happened.
Another festival attendee, Jacy Lin, said everything happened extremely quickly.
‘Everybody was just leaving,’ she said to CP24. ‘Everything happened so fast.’
The normally festive street was quickly sealed off as authorities searched for evidence and attempted to track down whoever was responsible for the deadly attack.
Police later said the scene had been secured. No information on a suspect or arrests was immediately released.
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford released a statement following the shooting.
‘I am devastated by the senseless violence at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival that has claimed two lives and injured others. My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected,’ Ford wrote on X.
‘Thank you to Toronto Police and our first responders for responding to this horrific incident. The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars.’
Police hold back crowds as they respond to an active shooter at the Salsa on St. Clair event in Toronto, Saturday, July 11, 2026. (Keito Newman/The Canadian Press via AP)
Police officers stand guard at the site of a deadly shooting at a salsa street festival in Toronto
Toronto police officers patrol the festival area as the force’s command vehicle is deployed to the scene of the deadly shooting
Police vehicles block an intersection near the festival as emergency responders lock down the area during the active shooting investigation
A police vehicle makes its way as people gather near the scene after the deadly shooting
People gather as emergency workers respond to the scene
Police officers stand guard at the scene following Saturday evening’s deadly shooting
Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney also shared statement following the bloodbath.
‘I am horrified by the shooting that has killed two people at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival in Toronto,’ he said.
‘My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event.
‘My thanks to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy.
‘Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Salsa on St. Clair is a celebration of Latin culture which returned for its 22nd iteration this year.
The two-day festival transforms St Clair Ave West in Midtown Toronto’s Hillcrest Village and features, music, dance and food.
The busy area is lined with stores and restaurants and the festival draws thousands each year.