Second attack in four months: Gunfire damages US Consulate in Toronto; getaway car tops 140 km/h

The US Consulate in downtown Toronto came under gunfire early Monday in the second such incident this year, with suspects escaping after a high-speed chase that police abandoned over safety concerns.

Authorities are treating the shooting as a serious incident. Investigators from multiple agencies are now working to identify those responsible after shots were fired at the diplomatic mission. No injuries were reported.

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Police abandon pursuit after speeding vehicle flees

According to CBC News, a Toronto police officer stationed near the consulate heard gunshots at around 4.45 am. The officer had been deployed in the area following an earlier shooting at the same location in March.

The officer then spotted a white Honda Accord without licence plates speeding away from the scene.

Police pursued the vehicle briefly along the Don Valley Parkway near Don Mills Road before ending the chase after it exceeded speeds of 140 km/h. Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said aerial support was unavailable during the pursuit.

“We will approach this situation with great seriousness,” Barredo said, describing the shooting as “brazen” and “despicable”.

Building damaged, investigation widens

Investigators recovered a single shell casing near the consulate and found damage to the building’s facade, CBC News reported.

A spokesperson for the US embassy thanked Toronto police for their swift response.

Officials said investigators are still trying to establish the motive behind the attack and determine how many people were inside the fleeing vehicle.

Toronto Police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said the force currently depends on helicopters operated by the Ontario Provincial Police or the Durham Regional Police Service, although Toronto Police is expected to receive its own aircraft later this year.

Mayor vows action after second attack

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she had spoken with Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree about efforts to curb gun violence and the flow of illegal firearms into the city.

Calling the incident a “brazen attack”, Chow issued a warning to those responsible.

“This is when there is a police cruiser with the lights flashing right in front of it,” Chow said. “I want to say to the person or persons responsible: We will get you.”

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) said it is assisting Toronto police and international partners in the investigation.

“Threats and violence towards any persons in Canada are taken very seriously,” RCMP Superintendent Jonathan Ko said.

Second shooting since March

Monday’s incident is the second shooting at the downtown consulate in just over four months.

A similar attack on March 10 caused no injuries. The RCMP had classified that case as a national security incident. Three people were later arrested during a broader investigation into local gun crimes involving hired youth, according to CBC News.

Police later reopened University Avenue after completing work at the scene.