Toronto pub shooting: At least 12 hit as balaclava-clad gunman on the run

Toronto pub shooting: At least 12 hit as balaclava-clad gunman on the run Newspoint | 08/03/2025 18:39:19

At least twelve people have been injured in a terrifying in - with the attacker still at large.

Police said four of the victims' injuries were non-life-threatening, but the condition of the others is unknown at this stage. The suspect was "wearing a black balaclava" and managed to flee the scene in a silver , according to Toronto . He is still at large and officers said they do not yet have a description of him.

The shooting took place at the Piper Arms in Scarborough, a district of Toronto, on Friday night at around 10.39pm local time. Video footage shared via Canada's CTV showed heavily armed police officers scouring the area while first responders wheeled a patient on a stretcher into an ambulance, NBC reports.

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Speaking to Canada's CP24 Media, Toronto paramedics described the incident as a "dynamic situation", saying the injuries of the victims ranged from minor to critical.

Olivia Chow, mayor of Toronto, said the investigation was early and ongoing, but that all necessary resources have been deployed. She said: "I am deeply troubled to hear reports of a shooting at a pub in Scarborough. I have spoken to (Toronto Police Chief Myron) Demkiw and he has assured me all necessary resources have been deployed. This is an early and ongoing investigation - police will provide further details. My thoughts are with the victims and their families."

Officers are urging members of the public to avoid the scene at Progress Ave and Corporate Drive while they continue carrying out their enquiries.

Canada's gun laws include restrictions on the purchase and sale of handguns, and the requirement of a license to own and use other firearms. A national freeze on their sale and purchase came into effect in October 2022, but those who already owned handguns before then are still able to possess and use them.

Guns can also be exported, transferred to a licensed business, or surrendered to law enforcement. 's restrictions were prompted by violence similar to incidents seen in the United States. In 2022, police services in Canada reported nearly 14,000 firearm-related violent crimes.