- Police say two suspects who fired a bullet at the U.S. Consulate in downtown Toronto last week were paid to carry out the shooting as part of a so-called criminals-for-hire network.
- Police arrested two suspects, including a 15-year-old, in connection with the shooting.
- The investigation has expanded to include multiple suspects and alleged connections to coordinated shootings across the GTA, with investigators noting the use of encrypted messaging apps to recruit young people.
Toronto police have arrested two suspects in connection with a shooting outside the U.S. Consulate on July 27, including a 15-year-old boy.2
The incident occurred around 5 a.m., with police responding to reports of shots fired. Evidence of a firearm discharge was found outside the consulate, but no injuries were reported.
Chief Myron Demkiw stated that the suspects, 19-year-old Xen-Ul-Abdeen Syed and the unnamed 15-year-old, are part of a 'criminals-for-hire' network. They face a total of 22 criminal charges, including failing to comply with a release order.1
The shooting follows a similar incident in March, which triggered a national security investigation involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
Investigators believe the suspects were recruited through encrypted messaging apps to carry out the attack. Demkiw noted that the modus operandi is consistent with previous shootings at the consulate, indicating a broader network of criminals exploiting technology to coordinate serious crimes.345
The suspects were seen fleeing in a stolen Honda Accord, which was later found abandoned in Scarborough after a police pursuit was called off due to safety concerns.
The investigation continues as authorities seek to uncover the individuals behind the criminal network.
“What we know is that criminals are exploiting encrypted technology to recruit young people and coordinate serious criminal acts,” Demkiw said.
“The investigation has expanded to include multiple suspects and alleged connections to coordinated shootings across the GTA. Police noted the use of encrypted messaging apps to recruit young people, with one investigator stating, 'criminals are exploiting encrypted technology to recruit young people and coordinate serious criminal acts.'”
CP24
