Four additional arrests made in targeted hate-motivated incidents involving members of the Jewish community

The Toronto Police Service has made four additional arrests in connection with two alleged hate-motivated incidents targeting members of Toronto’s Jewish community on April 30 and May 7, 2026.

In the first incident, individuals who were visibly identifiable as Jewish were allegedly shot at from a passing vehicle using an imitation firearm. On May 7, police responded to a second incident outside Congregation Chasidei Bobov synagogue, where three additional visibly identifiable members of the Jewish community were allegedly targeted in a similar manner.

Following the second incident, investigators arrested and charged an 18-year-old man from Vaughan.

“Members of our Counter Terrorism Security Unit continued to follow the evidence, execute search warrants and identify others who were allegedly involved,” said Chief Superintendent Kathleen Stephenson during a news conference at Toronto Police Headquarters on June 3.

As a result of the ongoing investigation, two adult men, one male youth, and one female youth have been arrested and charged. Investigators are also seeking two additional suspects, a male and a female.

“Based on the evidence gathered during this investigation, we allege that members of the Jewish community were deliberately targeted,” said Stephenson. “These incidents appear to have been organized and planned, with more than one individual involved in their co-ordination. We understand the profound impact incidents like these have on a community. Beyond those directly affected, they create fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for many others who see themselves reflected in the victims. People may question whether they are safe attending religious services, walking in their neighbourhoods, or openly expressing their identity. That is why we take these investigations so seriously.”

She credited members of the Counter Terrorism Security Unit for their extensive investigative work.

“I want to thank our officers for their dedication and professionalism,” Stephenson said. “While this matter remains before the courts, allegations of targeted violence and hate against any community demand a thorough and determined response. We also recognize that incidents like these can be an early warning sign of something more serious. When allegations of targeted, hate-motivated violence come to our attention, early intervention matters. Investigators worked tirelessly to follow the evidence and identify everyone who was allegedly involved.”

She added that the Service remains committed to protecting all communities and thoroughly investigating allegations of hate-motivated criminal activity.