Shots Fired At US Consulate In Toronto

OTTAWA, March 11 (Bernama-Xinhua) -- Toronto police said Tuesday they are investigating a shooting at the United States (US) consulate and searching for two suspects linked to the incident in Canada's largest city, Xinhua reported.

Police said in a news release that they responded to reports of gunfire directed at the consulate at 5.29 am local time on Tuesday, and that the shooting itself is believed to have happened at 4.29 am.

Upon arrival at the scene in downtown Toronto, officers found evidence that a firearm had been discharged. No injuries were reported, police said, adding that it is too early in the investigation to provide a possible motive.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) are working on the investigation with Toronto police and have been in contact with US partners, including the FBI, RCMP Chief Superintendent Chris Leather told a press conference.

He called the shooting a "national security incident," but said there is no indication of a threat to public safety at this time.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said on X that the shots fired toward the US consulate are a "reprehensible act of violence and attempt at intimidation."

"The RCMP and federal agencies will devote all needed resources to support the Toronto Police Service in their investigation, and to ensure that the perpetrators of these violent acts are identified and brought to the full weight of justice," Carney said.

Canadian Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree called the shooting "absolutely unacceptable," adding that Canada will never tolerate intimidation or violence of any kind. 

-- BERNAMA-XINHUA