toronto news — Police are investigating after gunfire struck two synagogues overnight in the Toronto area, leaving the Jewish community shaken and authorities mobilized. The shootings happened just after 12: 00 a. m. ET on Saturday at Shaarei Shomayim near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue, and at 11: 49 p. m. ET Friday at Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto in Thornhill. Politicians and community leaders have labelled the incidents antisemitic, and investigators from multiple agencies are now involved.
Toronto News: What happened
Toronto Police Service officers responded just after 12: 00 a. m. ET on Saturday to reports of multiple gunshots at the front doors of Shaarei Shomayim, where investigators found bullet holes in exterior doors and no injuries. York Regional Police were called at 11: 49 p. m. ET Friday to Clark Avenue and York Hill Boulevard in Thornhill after evidence showed gunfire had been directed at the front doors of Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto. At least six bullets tore through the Thornhill synagogue’s front doors while two people were inside; no one was struck. York Region Police Deputy Kevin McCloskey described an unknown number of suspects arriving in a dark sedan and opening fire on the building.
Earlier in the week, a third synagogue in the city’s north end was also struck by gunfire on Monday night (ET), where officers found bullet casings and damage at Temple Emanu-El. No injuries have been reported in any of the incidents.
Immediate reactions
The incidents have drawn sharp condemnation from community leaders and senior officials. Sara Lefton, with the United Jewish Appeal Federation of Greater Toronto, said the community is “shaken to our core. ” Lefton added: “And I think we’re incredibly angry and frustrated, because we’ve seen the progression of this kind of intimidation and hatred over the last few years. “
Prime Minister Mark Carney pledged federal support, saying federal agencies and the RCMP will use “every resource” to help local police identify the perpetrators and “bring them to the full weight of justice. ” Israel’s ambassador to Canada, Iddo Moed, called the attacks “cowardly assaults on houses of worship” that are “abhorrent acts of violence that strike at the heart of our shared values—safety, dignity, and freedom of religion. “
Investigation and security response
The Toronto Police Service has dedicated additional resources to the case, including the Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force and the Hate Crime Unit, to support officers from 33 Division. York Regional Police said it is further stepping up patrols and dedicating additional resources on the ground to proactively combat crime and keep communities safe.
A command post has been established near Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue West (ET) and a command centre was set up at the Promenade Mall in Thornhill to address public concerns. Extra security and a visible police presence are now posted outside affected places of worship and in surrounding neighbourhoods.
What’s next
Investigators are examining whether the incidents are connected and say it is too early to determine links. Toronto Police Service will continue on-scene work and forensic examination, while York Regional Police maintain stepped-up patrols and community engagement. Community leaders are awaiting further findings and are calling for swift identification and arrest of those responsible.
As this toronto news story develops, police actions and community responses are expected to unfold in the coming days; authorities say they will share updates as investigations progress and more information becomes available. For the Jewish community and residents across the region, the focus remains on safety and preventing further attacks as investigators work to bring those responsible to justice in this toronto news emergency.
