Police ID 2 men killed in targeted shooting at Toronto street festival
Toronto police are investigating a targeted shooting at a street festival that left two men dead and five others injured. The police chief is calling for federal legislative reforms to classify shootings at large public gatherings as first-degree murder.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the impact of urban gun violence on public safety and the subsequent political debate regarding criminal justice reform.
Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, were killed when gunfire erupted in the area of St. Clair Avenue and Arlington Avenue, Toronto police said in a news release on Monday. Their deaths mark the city's 19th and 20th homicides of the year.
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said at a news conference Monday that the two men killed knew one another.
One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died in hospital. Five other people struck by gunfire were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police recovered two firearms at the scene, Demkiw said. He said police do not have information on suspects at this time.
Security footage shows crowd rushing from Salsa on St. Clair festival
A vigil held in the parking lot of Matthew's United Church on St. Clair Avenue W. drew scores of people on Monday night.
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