A shooting during Toronto’s TD Salsa on St. Clair festival left two men dead and four other people seriously injured on Saturday evening, according to Toronto police.
The shooting was reported at approximately 8:12 p.m. near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, within the crowded festival area. Police initially warned the public about a possible active shooter and asked people to stay away before announcing that the scene had been secured.
At a late-night briefing, Toronto Police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said investigators believe the incident involved an exchange of gunfire between two individuals who were targeting each other, rather than someone randomly firing at festival attendees. Police recovered two firearms from the scene. No arrests had been announced as of late Saturday, and the investigation remains ongoing.
An estimated 13,000 people were attending the festival at the time. Witnesses described people running or taking cover as emergency responders entered the area.
Salsa on St. Clair is one of Toronto’s largest Latin cultural celebrations, bringing live music, dancing, food, and cultural performances to St. Clair Avenue West. The 2026 festival was scheduled to take place across July 11 and 12.
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she was deeply disturbed and angry that the violence occurred in the middle of a festival attended by families, children, and seniors. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Ontario Premier Doug Ford also offered condolences to the victims and thanked police officers and first responders for their actions.
Our deepest condolences go out to the families and loved ones of the two people who were killed. We are also thinking of those who were injured and hoping for their full recovery, as well as everyone in Toronto’s Latin and salsa communities affected by this tragedy.
This article reflects information available as of late Saturday, July 11, 2026. Details may change as authorities release further information.
