Police investigators in Toronto have revealed that dozens of shootings, including an attack on the US consulate in March, are connected to a "multilayered" gun-for-hire network responsible for assaults on synagogues in the Greater Toronto Area.
Recruitment via Encrypted Messaging
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw told reporters on Tuesday that young adults and teenagers are being recruited through encrypted messaging apps like Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp by "bad actors" and compensated to carry out attacks. Shooters must film their actions to receive payment.
"Who is paying for this?" Demkiw questioned. "This is what we are trying to determine."
Officer Killed in Raid
A veteran Toronto police officer, Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was killed last week during a raid linked to the shootings. He was shot early Thursday morning while executing a search warrant at an apartment building in the city's northwest. Police have charged 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, who remains hospitalized, with first-degree murder.
Charges have also been filed against Jayon Burgher and Sheldon Tracey-Stewart, both 18, for their involvement in some of the shootings. Authorities are still searching for 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, who is connected to the consulate attack. No injuries were reported in that incident.
Seized Firearms Linked to Multiple Shootings
Police stated that two handguns seized during dawn raids last week may be tied to 27 separate shootings across the Greater Toronto Area. Investigators believe the weapons were circulated among multiple shooters.
"While we've been able to connect these firearms to numerous instances, we are still working to identify not only the individuals responsible for pulling the triggers but also those who may have directed or organized these acts of violence," said Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews.
Broader Trend and International Cooperation
Demkiw noted that the shootings are part of a "broader" trend observed in Toronto and other regions, with investigators collaborating with the FBI. "What we are dealing with in this case and in other unrelated incidents, including shootings at synagogues and Jewish schools, is a recurring and similar modus operandi: criminals for hire," he said.
"It is clear that some of the people hiring these criminals want to create a sense of fear in our communities, including in the Jewish community."
Possible Link to Global Terror Network
Investigators are exploring whether the US consulate shooting is connected to a global terror network that has threatened retaliation for US attacks on Iran. In May, US authorities charged Iraqi national Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al-Saadi with terrorism, alleging he orchestrated nearly 20 attacks in Europe.
US court documents suggest al-Saadi claimed responsibility for the Toronto consulate shooting. The FBI alleged that in a recorded phone call, al-Saadi indicated that "our people" were behind the attack.
"I know there's been a lot of reporting about criminal groups and foreign actors," Demkiw said. "But what I can tell you is that we are still working actively to investigate who is responsible for orchestrating these criminal acts."
