Chief Responds to Festival Shooting

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators are actively examining three separate shooting incidents that occurred over the weekend and are exploring whether there are any links between them.

Speaking on July 12 at a news conference at police headquarters, he said detectives are ‘leaving no stone unturned’ as they work to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.

Demkiw focused much of his remarks on the fatal shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair Festival on Saturday night, saying investigators continue to gather evidence and review information.

Police have now released the names of the two people who were killed – Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20 – and believe they were the intended targets and also known to each other. The Chief also confirmed that officers recovered two firearms at the scene and that innocent bystanders were struck by stray bullets.

He appealed to anyone who witnessed the shooting or captured photos or video to contact Toronto Police or submit digital evidence through an online portal established by investigators. Information can also be provided directly to 13 Division at 416-808-1300.

Although shootings in Toronto are down more than 26 per cent compared with the same period last year, Demkiw acknowledged that a brazen attack at a crowded public festival has shaken public confidence.

“Street festivals are a vital part of Toronto's vibrant culture,” he said. “They will continue to receive police resources as we do everything we can to ensure the safety and security of attendees.”

The Chief said the weekend violence highlights the need for police, and for the City of Toronto and event organizers to review how major public events are planned and secured.

He revealed that, even before the weekend shootings, he had spoken with City Manager Paul Johnson about strengthening collaboration and strategic planning around the permitting and management of street festivals and other large public events.

Demkiw pointed to Toronto's successful hosting of six FIFA World Cup matches without major incident as evidence that coordinated planning can improve public safety.

He said discussions will now examine whether additional security measures, including controlled access points and security screening, should be considered for some events.

“The appropriate approach will be determined based on the specific circumstances, our intelligence and the threat environment,” Demkiw said.

He also renewed his call for changes to federal legislation aimed at addressing gun violence in public places.

Demkiw noted that he wrote to former prime minister Justin Trudeau in 2023 and again last summer to the federal Minister of Public Safety and members of the 416 Liberal Caucus, urging legislative reforms for shootings in crowded public settings.

Among the changes he is advocating is making any fatal shooting in a congregate setting, whether an intended attack or one involving a stray bullet, automatically eligible to be prosecuted as first-degree murder.

Demkiw argued that such a measure would provide a stronger deterrent and better reflect society's condemnation of reckless acts of gun violence that endanger large numbers of people.

He welcomed recent federal initiatives, including the Bail and Sentencing Reform Act (Bill C-14), and said Toronto Police will continue working with governments and community partners to reduce gun violence.

Mayor Olivia Chow said it was a difficult weekend in the city.

“The violence at Salsa on St. Clair was reckless and disgusting,” Chow said. “We will not let reckless criminals stop Toronto’s tradition of outdoor street festivals. I will keep working with City staff and the Chief to make sure festivals are safe.”

Mayor Chow said for every person causing harm there are many more looking out for each other, including the First Responders who rushed to the scene.

The Chief also stressed the importance of maintaining adequate police staffing to ensure a visible presence in neighbourhoods and a rapid response during emergencies.

He praised the actions of Toronto police officers, Toronto Fire Services and Toronto Paramedic Services personnel who responded to the weekend shootings, saying video footage showed officers running toward danger to protect the public.

Demkiw thanked the Toronto Police Service Board, Mayor Olivia Chow and Toronto City Council for supporting the Service's multi-year hiring plan, approved in 2024, saying the past year has reinforced the need to continue investing in frontline policing.

He concluded by describing the weekend violence as a reminder that preventing gun crime requires a collective effort.

“Everyone has a role to play,” he said, pointing to legislators, parents, schools, school boards, the justice system and community organizations as key partners in preventing violence.

Demkiw added that residents often know where illegal firearms are located or who is involved in gun crime and urged anyone with information to contact police or make an anonymous call to Crime Stoppers at 416-222-8477 (TIPS).

“Your call may save a life,” he said. “It may save the life of someone you love.”