Three individuals, including a suspected gunman, lost their lives in a tragic shooting incident on Monday at an office space in north Toronto, located near a daycare center and a school. The incident led to a lockdown of the nearby facilities as anxious parents rushed to collect their children.
According to Detective Sgt. Al Bartlett, the victims were a man and a woman who were colleagues in a financial transaction business housed in the building. “It’s our belief at this point that the altercation that took place is in relation to that business,” Bartlett stated, indicating a potential motive linked to their professional environment.
Bartlett confirmed that the suspected assailant is among the deceased, although identities have not been disclosed pending notification of their families. He refrained from detailing whether the suspect died by suicide or through other means, noting that investigations are ongoing.
Fortunately, no children were harmed during the incident. Bartlett assured that there was no direct access between the daycare center and the business area within the building, ensuring the safety of the children present.
Witness Shahrokh Biniaz, a graphic designer with a studio in the building, recounted hearing loud noises and arguments preceding the tragic events. “I didn’t know what it was, thought it was maybe a circuit breaker or something because it was really loud,” Biniaz said. He described hearing subsequent gunshots and promptly calling emergency services, who responded swiftly to the scene.
Parents anxiously awaited outside the police perimeter, embracing their children tightly upon their safe release from St. George Mini School daycare. A supervisor reassured the gathered parents of the safety of everyone inside the daycare facility.
The incident has shocked the local community, prompting an outpouring of concern and grief as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
