Two toronto synagogues were struck by gunfire overnight, with shots reported in Thornhill and North York just before and after midnight. York Regional Police and Toronto Police responded at about 11: 49 p. m. ET and 12: 08 a. m. ET and found bullet damage to synagogue buildings but no injuries. Authorities have opened investigations and mobilized officers to reassure affected communities.
Toronto Synagogues targeted overnight
York Regional Police said officers responded at around 11: 49 p. m. ET Friday to reports of shots fired near Clark Avenue and York Hill Boulevard in Thornhill and found evidence of gunfire directed at a building on Clark Avenue identified as the Beth Avraham Yoseph of Toronto; no one was injured. Investigators noted a dark sedan had been seen in the area at the time of the shooting.
Shortly after, Toronto Police responded at about 12: 08 a. m. ET to a firearm discharge near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue. Officers located bullet holes in the front door of a building on Glencairn Avenue that has been confirmed as a synagogue; again, no injuries were reported. York Regional Police said a mobile command post would be set up at Promenade Mall on Saturday to answer public questions and to increase visibility in the community.
Immediate reactions
“I am shocked and outraged by the shooting attacks that targeted Bayt Synagogue in Thornhill and Shaarei Shomayim Synagogue in North York, Toronto, last night, ” Iddo Moed, Israeli Ambassador to Canada, said. “These cowardly assaults on houses of worship are abhorrent acts of violence that strike at the heart of our shared values — safety, dignity, and freedom of religion. “
“I am both disgusted and angered to learn that the Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue in our community has been hit with gunfire overnight, ” Steven Del Duca, Vaughan Mayor, said, noting that thankfully no one was injured and that the incident will affect Jewish residents deeply. Toronto city councillor Brad Bradford wrote, “I am horrified and outraged, ” and said Toronto Police would have increased presence outside the affected place of worship; Bradford added that the North York synagogue had celebrated Purim earlier in the week.
Quick context and what’s next
Both police services are urging anyone with information, video or dash-camera footage to contact investigators. York Regional Police and Toronto Police are treating the incidents as active investigations; a visible police presence and the mobile command post at Promenade Mall are immediate steps to address community concerns.
Expect investigators to canvass the neighbourhoods near Clark Avenue and York Hill Boulevard and Bathurst and Glencairn, review footage and follow up on leads; authorities will release further updates as evidence is processed. The two toronto synagogues remain focal points for the inquiries, and police have said they will continue working to identify suspects and motives. (Reported events referenced with times in ET. )
