Police investigators in Toronto have stated 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 across Canada's largest city.
Recruitment via Encrypted Messaging Apps
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw informed reporters on Tuesday that young adults and teenagers are being recruited through encrypted messaging platforms such as Signal, Telegram, and WhatsApp by "bad actors" and compensated by the networks to execute the attacks. Shooters must film their actions to receive payment.
"Who is paying for this?" Demkiw asked. "This is what we are trying to determine."
Officer Killed in Raid
A veteran Toronto police officer lost his life last week during a raid linked to these shootings. Constable Marc Pinizzotto, 43, was fatally shot early Thursday morning while executing a search warrant at an apartment building in the city's northwest. Authorities have charged 19-year-old Nicholas Bennett, currently 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. Police continue to search for 19-year-old Zara Jabbi, who is believed to be connected to the consulate attack, in which no one was injured.
Seized Handguns Linked to Multiple Shootings
Police reported that two handguns confiscated during dawn raids last week may be tied to 27 separate shootings across the Greater Toronto Area. Investigators suspect 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 of the Toronto Police Service.
Broader Trend and FBI Collaboration
Demkiw noted that the shootings are part of a "broader" trend observed in the city and other regions, adding that investigators are cooperating 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," Demkiw 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 Terror Link
Investigators are exploring the possibility that the US consulate shooting is linked to a global terror network that 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 he claimed responsibility for the Toronto consulate shooting, with an FBI affidavit citing a recorded phone call where al-Saadi implied "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."
