Gunfire Strikes Outside US Embassy in Toronto for Second Time This Year

Early Monday morning, at around 4:30 a.m., at least one shot was fired outside the US Embassy located on University Avenue in downtown Toronto, according to police reports. Officers responding to the gunfire found evidence of a used firearm near the embassy building. A white sedan was seen fleeing the scene, but no injuries were reported.

This marks the second shooting incident targeting the US Embassy in Toronto this year; a similar attack occurred in March when two armed individuals fired multiple shots at the embassy. Following that event, security was heightened around US and Israeli diplomatic buildings in Toronto and Ottawa.

Frank Berdu, Deputy Chief of Toronto Police, told reporters that the suspects approached the embassy complex in a white SUV, exited the vehicle, and fired several rounds from a handgun at the building. Despite people being inside at the time, the heavily fortified embassy sustained no casualties.

Chris Lader, a senior officer with the Canadian Federal Police, described the shooting as a "national security incident" due to the embassy being targeted. He noted that whether the event qualifies as terrorism remains under investigation. Lader also confirmed that security protocols around US and Israeli diplomatic sites in Toronto and Ottawa have been intensified following recent incidents.

In the days leading up to the shooting, protests had taken place outside the embassy in opposition to the ongoing Middle East conflict.