Toronto Police Investigate Hate Crime After Shooting at Jewish Bakery

Toronto police have launched a hate crime investigation following attacks on two branches of a Jewish-owned bakery chain, Akiva's Bagel Bar, during the night between Saturday and Sunday. At one location on Yonge and St. Clair streets, police found a bullet hole in a front window, confirming the use of a firearm. About 20 minutes later, a second branch on St. Clair West near Bathurst was found with a broken window, though no evidence of shooting was detected there. No injuries were reported in either incident.

The bakery is a well-known gathering spot for Toronto's Jewish community, especially on Sunday mornings. The Hate Crime Unit and Guns and Gangs Unit are jointly investigating the incidents, which police consider motivated by antisemitism. Police have increased their presence in the area but have made no arrests so far. A police officer emphasized the seriousness of the events for local residents and the Jewish community, stating all resources are being used to thoroughly investigate.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow strongly condemned the attacks, calling them "despicable and unacceptable," and affirmed her support for the Jewish community against antisemitism. Noah Sack, CEO of the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA), highlighted the bakery's role as a community hub and expressed concern about potential escalation amid previous shootings targeting Jewish institutions in the city. The investigation remains ongoing.