Arrests in Firearm Discharge at U.S. Consulate Case

A 19-year-old and a 15-year-old have been charged for firing a gun at the United States Consulate in Toronto in what investigators believe was ordered through an encrypted messaging app.

At approximately 4:45 a.m. on July 27, a white Honda Accord travelling southbound on University Avenue pulled alongside the consulate at 360 University Ave. and fired a gun, striking the front of the building.

Police attempted to stop the suspect vehicle before pursuing it onto the Don Valley Parkway. The pursuit was discontinued near Don Mills Road because of public safety concerns.

The vehicle, which had been reported stolen earlier that day, was later recovered abandoned in Scarborough.

“Through extensive investigative work, including video canvassing, forensic analysis, and other investigative techniques, officers identified two suspects,” Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews said at a news conference at police headquarters on August 6.

The investigation also linked the pair to an alleged arson in Caledon three days before the consulate shooting.

Investigators allege the accused stopped at a gas station near Kingston Road and McCowan Road on July 24, filled a red jerry can with gasoline, then drove to a residential neighbourhood near Queen Street West and Mississauga Road in Caledon, where they allegedly poured gasoline on a vehicle parked in a driveway and set it on fire.

“Thankfully, nobody was injured,” Matthews said.

He praised the investigators whose work led to the arrests.

“I also want to acknowledge the outstanding work of our Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, our Counter-Terrorism Security Unit, and our Forensic Identification Services team, along with our partners at the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police),” Matthews said. “Their work once again demonstrates the value of coordinated investigations, strong partnerships, and the kind of painstaking police work that happens behind the scenes.”

He said the case highlights the importance of thorough investigative techniques.

“Video canvassing, forensic analysis, and following every investigative lead take time, but it is that work that allows us to identify alleged offenders, arrest them and put them before the courts.” Matthews said.

The teenagers face multiple charges, including failing to comply with their court-ordered release conditions.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw credited frontline officers and the investigative teams for solving the case.

“These investigations are complex,” he pointed out. “They require coordination, expertise and strong partnerships.”

While welcoming the arrests, Demkiw said the case illustrates broader concerns about repeat offenders and gaps within Canada’s justice system.

“These are brazen offences and we need proper deterrence and justice reform,” he said.

Citing the Toronto Police Service's 2025 Annual Statistical Report, Demkiw noted that failing to comply with release conditions and failing to comply with probation orders rank among the top Criminal Code offences associated with firearm crimes.

“In many of those cases, those conditions include prohibitions on possessing firearms,” he said. “We have seen that pattern for many years.”

Demkiw also expressed concern about offenders convicted of firearm-related crimes who are serving conditional sentence orders in the community.

“Some then go on to commit additional crimes,” he said. “Sometimes even more serious offences, including homicide. They continue to pose a significant risk to public safety.”

Investigators believe the latest attack mirrors an earlier shooting at the U.S. Consulate.

“We believe the modus operandi in this investigation is consistent with what we saw in the previous U.S. Consulate shooting: criminals for hire,” Demkiw said. “We believe these two individuals were offered payment to carry out this attack through encrypted messaging apps.”

Although public speculation has centred on who orchestrated the attacks, the Chief said identifying those responsible remains a priority.

“We continue to work closely with our RCMP and other partners to identify those directing, organizing and financing these attacks,” he said.

Demkiw added that organized crime groups are increasingly exploiting technology to recruit young people.

“What we know is that criminals are exploiting encrypted technology to recruit young people and coordinate serious criminal acts,” he noted. “Law enforcement needs the tools to keep pace.”

Demkiw pointed to the federal government’s proposed Bill C-22 on lawful access, arguing police require greater investigative tools to combat crimes planned through encrypted communications.

“As the criminal world evolves, law enforcement and the justice system must evolve with it,” he added.