'National security incident': Shots fired at U.S. Consulate in Toronto, suspect vehicle image released
Toronto police have released more information about an early morning shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto that Prime Minister Mark Carney called “a reprehensible act of violence and attempt at intimidation.” They have also put out an image of a suspect vehicle.
Speaking to the media outside the consulate Tuesday morning, RCMP Chief Supt. Chris Leather, who is overseeing the investigation, said he is treating the event as “a national security incident,” though he added it was “too early” to determine if the event was connected to the war in the Middle East, or if it constituted terrorism.
Leather noted that, “for the moment, while the early stages of the investigation are taking place, we have increased security around embassies and consulate buildings here in Toronto and in the Ottawa region.”
He said the U.S. and Israeli consulates topped that list, adding: “I think it’s fairly obvious, based on the incidents that have occurred here in Toronto and elsewhere that these consulates deserve a heightened amount of vigilance and security at this time.”
Leather said, “There will be no tolerance for any form of intimidation, harassment or harmful targeting of any communities or individuals in Canada,” though he added: “There is no indication of an immediate threat to public safety at this time.”
In a statement on X, the prime minister said: “ The RCMP and federal agencies will devote all needed resources to support the Toronto Police Service in their investigation, and to ensure that the perpetrators of these violent acts are identified and brought to the full weight of justice.”
The shots fired toward the United States Consulate in Toronto early this morning are a reprehensible act of violence and attempt at intimidation. I am relieved that no one was injured.
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 10, 2026
The RCMP and federal agencies will devote all needed resources to support the Toronto Police…
Police responded to a call at 5:29 a.m. Tuesday concerning a firearm being discharged in front of the building on University Avenue at about 4:30 a.m.
They noted that a white Honda CR-V was seen travelling westbound on Dundas Street West before turning southbound onto University Avenue and stopping in front of the Consulate. At that point, they said, two males exited the vehicle and fired multiple rounds at the building.
The suspects then re-entered the vehicle and drove southbound on University. When officers arrived, they found damage to the glass and door of the building, as well as shell casings at the scene. People were inside the building at the time, but no injuries have been reported.
FIREARM DISCHARGE:
— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) March 10, 2026
University Av + Queen St West
5:29am
- Police responded to reports that someone discharged a firearm at the American Consulate
- Police are on scene
- Evidence of a firearm discharge has been located
- No reports of injuries
- Anyone w/info contact police…
Ontario Premier Doug Ford on X called the shooting “an absolutely unacceptable act of violence and intimidation aimed at our American friends and neighbours,” and said he expects “that police at all levels will bring every resource to bear to find the people who did this.”
Ford added: “Everyone at all levels of government and across Canada needs to make clear that there is zero tolerance for this sort of intimidating and dangerous behaviour, and that we will do whatever it takes to prosecute and punish the people responsible to the fullest extent of the law.”
David Jacobs, a Toronto radiologist and Lieutenant Governor in Council member of the University of Toronto’s governing council who has contributed articles to National Post, posted to X: “Canada, we have a problem. Hate and violence always begins by targeting Jews, but it never ends with there. In the last two weeks, 3 synagogues have been fired on, and now the US consulate.”
He added: “We need urgent action before there is further escalation.”
Canada, we have a problem.
— David Jacobs (@DrJacobsRad) March 10, 2026
Hate and violence always begins by targeting Jews, but it never ends with there.
In the last two weeks, 3 synagogues have been fired on, and now the US consulate.
We need urgent action before there is further escalation.https://t.co/DghN7x37wf pic.twitter.com/bdA0ke33K5
The U.S. Consulate is located at 360 University Ave., at the corner of University and Armoury Street, just north of Queen Street West. The entrance for visa services is at the back of the building on Simcoe Street, while the entrance for American citizen services is on University.
In an update to the initial message, police noted that University Avenue was closed southbound from Armoury Street to Queen while the investigation continued.
Several buildings in Toronto and nearby have been shot at since the U.S.-Israel operation against Iran began 10 days ago. In addition to the three synagogues that were struck by bullets in the past week, an Iranian-owned boxing gym in Thornhill, Ont., was hit by gunfire early Sunday morning.
Meanwhile, Norwegian police continue to investigate an explosion that occurred outside the U.S. embassy in Oslo on Sunday, and they have released images of a person who is believed to be linked to the attack, which caused minor damage to the building. There have been no injuries reported in any of the recent attacks.
Police said that the U.S. State Department is also investigating the Toronto incident.
Toronto city Councillor Brad Bradford posted to X: “This is completely outrageous and unacceptable. Bullets flying in an indiscriminate way has to stop.”
This is completely outrageous and unacceptable.
— Brad Bradford (@BradMBradford) March 10, 2026
Bullets flying in an indiscriminate way has to stop.
I know Toronto Police will treat this investigation with the seriousness and urgency it deserves. That is what Torontonians expect. https://t.co/qK0ih9eLON
Penny Collenette, a lawyer, adjunct professor at the University of Ottawa and recent Order of Canada recipient, posted news of the consulate attack, adding: “And gunshots fired at two synagogues the night before. Warnings?”
And gunshots fired at two synagogues the night before. Warnings? https://t.co/fOuqamHUIM
— penny collenette ???????? (@penottawa) March 10, 2026
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