- A youth is among two suspects in custody following a second guns-for-hire shooting at the US Consulate in Toronto.
- The Toronto Police Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force is leading the investigation, with the RCMP and Integrated National Security Enforcement Team treating the incident as a national security matter.
- Prior to the shooting, the suspects filled a red jerry can with gasoline at a gas station in Scarborough.
Two suspects, including a 15-year-old boy, are in custody after a second guns-for-hire shooting at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto. The incident occurred on July 27, when shots were fired at the consulate, prompting a police pursuit of a stolen vehicle linked to the crime.1
The first arrest was made on August 1, when 19-year-old Xen-Ul-Abdeen Syed was charged with 15 counts, including possession of a loaded firearm and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle. The second suspect, whose identity is protected due to his age, faces 17 charges, mirroring those against Syed.
Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated, “We believe that these two individuals were offered payment to carry out this attack through encrypted messaging apps.” The investigation is focused on identifying those financing these attacks, as criminals exploit technology to recruit young people for serious crimes.
Chief Supt. Joe Matthews noted that there are “dozens at the lower level” of the criminal network involved in such schemes, indicating a structured hierarchy. He remarked, “For what these two people are now facing in potential jail time and how it’s going to impact their future — it’s not nearly enough.”
In a related incident, the suspects allegedly set a vehicle on fire in Caledon after filling a jerry can with gasoline. Both face arson charges in connection with this act. The investigation is being led by the Toronto Police Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, with support from national security agencies.2
“The suspects allegedly filled a red jerry can at a Scarborough gas station days before the shooting, then set a vehicle ablaze in Caledon. The RCMP and Integrated National Security Enforcement Team are treating the consulate shooting as a national security incident.”
