Toronto pub shooting: 7 people hurt by gunfire as hunt for suspects continues

A seventh person was hurt by gunfire late Friday at a mass shooting near Scarborough Town Centre, Toronto police say.

Police said in an update on X Sunday that the person’s injury, which was thought to have been caused by flying glass, has been confirmed to have been caused by a bullet graze.

There is still no word on who is responsible for the shooting, which happened at a pub that was celebrating its opening night.

Here is what we know so far.

Just after 10:30 p.m. on Friday, police began receiving 911 calls for reports of the shooting at Piper Arms pub, which is near McCowan Road and Progress Avenue – just steps from the shopping centre.

Officers found 12 people suffering from various injuries: seven were hurt from gunfire, and five others were hurt by shattered glass.

No one was killed, and all injuries are believed to be non-life-threatening. The victims’ ages are between 20 and mid-50s.

4:18 Toronto pub shooting: 12 injured after 3 men armed with assault rifle, 2 guns open fire

When police reviewed the security camera footage, they were at a loss for words.

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“We’ve seen a lot of shootings, a lot of videos. But tonight’s shooting – these guys just looked at the crowd and opened fire,” Supt. Paul MacIntyre told reporters at the scene on Friday.

That footage showed three masked men, armed with an assault rifle and two handguns, entering the pub and opening fire at patrons inside. The guests ducked under chairs for cover or fell to the ground immediately after being shot.

MacIntyre said he was “horrified” to see the gunmen’s lack of hesitation.

“There’s blood all over the floor.… There’s blood in the basement,” he told reporters.

“The drinks are still on the table. The food is still on the table. People’s purses, shoes, they’re still in there.”

1:02 Tow truck drivers ‘flying bullets around’ will go to ‘jail for a long time’: Doug Ford

The shooters are still at large. No detailed suspect description or vehicle description has been made available. Their weapons have also not been found.

Police were asked whether tow truck turf wars could be a motive for the shooting, or whether it was at random.

“We’re open to that, but we haven’t confirmed anything yet. We’re looking at who the owners are, who the patrons are,” MacIntyre said.

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Mayor Olivia Chow said she was working at city hall late Friday night when police told her about the mass shooting and provided regular updates.

“It is troubling because of the magnitude of the shootings and the number of people hurt, and I don’t want to speculate as to the why and how,” Chow told a news conference Saturday morning.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford also denounced the gun violence on Saturday.

“The shooting that took place last night in Scarborough was a brazen act of violence that will not be tolerated,” Ford said.

“The Toronto Police Service has my full support as they bring those responsible to justice.”

Ford added that his thoughts are with the victims of the attacks and their families, adding in a social media post: “I’m praying that all those affected by this terrible shooting make a full recovery.”

As police continue the investigation, MacIntyre said they’re “leaving no stone unturned,” with the service dedicating as many personnel as it can to the case.

Anyone with information or video footage is asked to contact police.

— with files from Noor Ibrahim