Canadian authorities have launched an investigation after a firearm was discharged at the United States Consulate in Toronto in the early hours of Monday, marking the second such security breach at the diplomatic mission this year.
According to Toronto Police, an officer assigned to guard the consulate heard a single shot at about 4:45 a.m. local time before spotting a white vehicle without licence plates speeding away from the area.
Officers briefly pursued the vehicle but discontinued the chase to avoid endangering the public.
No injuries were recorded.
Investigators confirmed that a shell casing was recovered at the scene, while the exterior of the consulate sustained minor damage.
Officials believe at least two people were inside the building when the incident occurred, although the structure’s reinforced design meant they were unlikely to have heard the gunfire.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by Toronto Police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and international law enforcement agencies.
RCMP Superintendent Jonathan Ko described the shooting as another serious security concern, while Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the attack, describing it as a bold criminal act.
She vowed that those behind the incident would be identified and prosecuted.
Deputy Chief Frank Barredo of the Toronto Police Service said officers across the city had been alerted to search for the suspects, stressing that investigators were determined to ensure those responsible faced justice.
The U.S. Consulate later acknowledged the swift response by police in a message posted on X, expressing appreciation for their actions.
Security has remained heightened around the diplomatic mission since March, when another shooting outside the building was classified as a national security incident.
No casualties were reported in that attack.
The earlier case led to several police raids in June, during which Officer Marc Pinizzotto, 43, lost his life.
Authorities later arrested multiple suspects, aged 18 and 19, accusing them of carrying out a series of shootings, including the March attack, as part of an alleged gun-for-hire operation.
Separately, two Jewish-owned bakeries in Toronto were attacked over the weekend, with one of the businesses struck by gunfire.
Investigators said there is currently no evidence connecting those incidents to Monday’s shooting, although they have not ruled out a possible link.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford denounced the recent wave of violence, saying he was deeply disturbed by the shootings and vandalism reported across the city.
Prime Minister Mark Carney also condemned the incident, saying he was appalled and reaffirmed his support for law enforcement as the investigation continues.
In a separate development earlier this year, U.S. authorities arrested 32-year-old Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi, accusing him of plotting multiple attacks across North America and Europe targeting Jewish institutions and American interests, including the U.S. Consulate in Toronto.
Toronto Police have not indicated whether al-Saadi has any connection to the latest shooting, and investigators have yet to determine a motive for the attack.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong