Investigating Shots Fired at Synagogue
Integrated Gun & Gang Task Force and the Hate Crime Unit have joined with 33 Division investigators to determine who is responsible for a firearm discharge at a synagogue in the city’s north end.
“A shooting targeting a place of worship is unacceptable,” Deputy Chief Rob Johnson said at a news conference at police headquarters on March 3. “It is alarming. It is something we treat with the highest priority.”
On March 2 at about 10:49 p.m., officers from 33 Division responded to reports of gunshots in the area. When they arrived, they located multiple shell casings at the front entrance of the Temple Emanu-El Synagogue, along with evidence of gunfire damage to the building.
The synagogue was closed at the time and there were no injuries.
“There were reports of a vehicle leaving the area shortly after the shots were fired,” Johnson said. “Investigators are actively reviewing video footage and canvassing the neighbourhood for additional video and witness information. At this stage, we do not have a suspect description to release, but we will provide updates as soon as we can do so.”
He said incidents like the one last night create fear and anger within the Jewish community.
“We recognize that this does not occur in isolation,” said Johnson. “Members of Toronto’s Jewish community have been experiencing a deeply troubling rise in antisemitism, and we see the impact of that every day.”
Since October 7, 2023, TPS has made 309 arrests and laid 858 charges in relation to hate crimes. So far this year, 22 anti-Semitic occurrences have been reported, representing approximately 63 per cent of all reported hate crime occurrences in the city.
“These numbers are not abstract,” Johnson said. “They represent real people and real harm. Our commitment is clear. We are doing everything within our authority to protect Toronto’s Jewish community. We have maintained an increased police presence in Jewish neighbourhoods and around places of worship and community institutions since October 7, 2023. At the outset of the military actions in Iran on Saturday, we further increased our visibility and patrols.”
He said intelligence teams are continuously monitoring global events and assessing any impact they may have locally.
“We are working closely with our policing partners and with community leaders to ensure information is shared quickly and appropriately,” said Johnson.
The Deputy Chief also addressed misinformation circulating online.
“We have not released details about the type of firearm used, nor have we confirmed who may be responsible,” he added. “Speculation and unverified claims only add to the fear the community is feeling.”
Anyone with video or any other evidence is asked to contact police at 416-808-3300 or Toronto Crime Stoppers anonymously.
