Fear, Grief and Calls for Security Follow Deadly Shooting at Toronto Street Festival
A Toronto street that was expected to be filled with music, food vendors and dancing was nearly empty on Sunday after a deadly shooting brought the Salsa on St. Clair festival to an abrupt end.
The gunfire erupted Saturday evening near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, leaving two people dead and several others injured. Police said the incident involved an exchange of gunfire between individuals targeting each other.
Festival Cancelled After Deadly Gunfire
The popular street festival had been scheduled to continue through Sunday.
Instead, organizers cancelled the remaining events while police continued investigating multiple crime scenes.
Bright festival signs and empty vendor booths remained along the street, but only a few businesses were open and police blocked vehicle access in the area.
Residents React With Fear and Sadness
Local visitor Redon Hoxhaj had gone to Pain Perdu, a café on St. Clair Avenue West that he visits every Sunday, but found it closed.
He said he felt sad and afraid after the shooting.
Hoxhaj said he was thinking about the victims, survivors, witnesses and local businesses that may now suffer after the violence.
He added that people who were at the festival ran in fear and may need time to recover emotionally.
Thousands Were at the Festival
Toronto police said about 13,000 people were attending the festival when shots were fired shortly after 8 p.m.
One man died at the scene, while another later died in hospital.
Four other people were taken to hospital with serious gunshot wounds.
Police Recover Firearms
Police said they identified three separate crime scenes connected to the shooting.
Investigators also recovered two firearms from the area.
As of Sunday morning, no arrests had been announced.
Police continued gathering evidence, reviewing video and speaking with witnesses.
Salsa on St. Clair’s Cultural Importance
Salsa on St. Clair is a long-running Toronto festival celebrating Latin music, dance, food and culture.
Before the shooting, videos and photos on social media showed crowds enjoying the event, dancing and celebrating in the street.
That joyful atmosphere quickly turned into panic after gunfire broke out.
Business Owners Call for Stronger Security
Some business owners along St. Clair Avenue West said they were shocked and saddened, but also concerned about security.
Tomer Markovitz, owner of Romi’s Restaurant and Bakery, said he and other businesses closed early on Saturday because they feared problems could happen.
He said local business owners had already urged the city and festival organizers to increase security and consider ending celebrations earlier in the day.
Metal Detectors Suggested
Markovitz said a festival of this size needs stronger safety measures.
He suggested that even metal detectors could be considered if they help keep people safe.
He also said he hopes the festival may be moved in the future to a location where crowds can be better controlled.
Residents Still Support Community Events
Area resident Tara Kennedy said the shooting was extremely frightening.
However, she said the neighbourhood is generally safe and that residents enjoy markets and cultural festivals.
Kennedy said future events will need stronger security, but she also emphasized that community gatherings remain important to the area.
CN Tower to Honour Victims
Officials said the lights of Toronto’s CN Tower would dim at the start of every hour Sunday night to honour the victims.
The gesture came as people and organizations across the city and country expressed condolences and support.
Police Chief Condemns Violence
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw described the previous night as tragic and violent.
He said the brazen violence in the middle of a community festival was heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Demkiw said police would be relentless in their efforts to find those responsible.
Other Shootings Add to Concern
The Salsa on St. Clair shooting happened during what appeared to be a particularly violent period in Toronto.
Police also responded to another shooting early Sunday that injured three people and led to five arrests.
On Friday night, another shooting in the Jane Street and Sheppard Avenue East area killed a 22-year-old man and injured two others.
Support From Other Communities
Messages of grief and solidarity came from across Canada.
In British Columbia, Filipino BC said it was mourning with Toronto’s Latin community.
The organization said violence at cultural events can permanently change places that are meant to be filled with joy, connection and pride.
The message carried added weight because 11 people were killed in a vehicle attack at Vancouver’s Lapu Lapu Day celebrations on April 26, 2025.
Local Organizations Express Grief
The Hillcrest Village Business Improvement Area, which represents more than 90 businesses in the St. Clair West area, said Salsa on St. Clair has long been a celebration of culture, community and connection.
The organization said it was devastating that an event meant to bring people together was overshadowed by violence.
Dance Community Stands With Victims
Soul2Sole Latin Dance Company, which has been part of the Salsa on St. Clair community for more than two decades, also expressed support for those affected.
The company said it stands with the community in compassion and hope for healing.
The Toronto Tempo WNBA team also shared condolences, thanked first responders and expressed solidarity with the community.
Anita Anand Reflects on the Area
Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand said she once lived near the area where the shooting happened.
She described the neighbourhood as a place of community and family.
Her comments reflected the broader grief felt by many people who know St. Clair West as a lively and welcoming part of Toronto.
The Salsa on St. Clair shooting turned a joyful cultural celebration into a scene of fear and mourning. With two people dead, four seriously injured and no arrests announced as of Sunday morning, Toronto police continue to investigate.
Residents, business owners and community leaders are now calling for stronger security planning while also trying to protect the spirit of a festival built around Latin culture, music and connection.
