At least two people were killed and several others injured after gunfire erupted during a street festival in Toronto, prompting a major police response and an ongoing investigation.
Toronto Police said officers were called to St Clair Avenue at around 8:12pm local time (0012 GMT) following reports of an active shooter during the annual Salsa on St Clair festival.
Police found six people suffering from gunshot wounds. Two victims were pronounced dead at the scene, while the remaining injured were taken to hospital.
Speaking at a press conference, Toronto Deputy Police Chief Francisco Barredo said the shooting resulted from an exchange of gunfire between two individuals.
Authorities recovered two firearms from the scene but had not made any arrests as of Sunday. Police said investigations were continuing across three separate crime scenes.
Barredo described the situation as "very chaotic", noting that an estimated 13,000 people were attending the festival when the shooting occurred.
Residents were urged to avoid the area while investigators continued gathering evidence, and police appealed for witnesses or anyone with video footage to come forward.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was "horrified" by the violence, offering condolences to the victims' families and those injured in the attack.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford also condemned the shooting, calling it "senseless violence" and vowing that those responsible would be brought to justice.
The Salsa on St Clair festival is one of Toronto's largest annual Latin cultural celebrations, featuring live music, dancing and food. This year's event marked its 22nd edition.
