Toronto police have identified the two men killed in a shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair street festival on Saturday night.
Investigators say the violence was targeted, but they are still working to determine exactly who fired the shots and what led to the deadly exchange.
Victims Identified by Police
Police identified the victims as Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20.
Both men died from gunshot wounds. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other later died in hospital.
Victims Knew Each Other
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators know the two deceased men were known to each other.
However, police are not yet saying whether either victim was among the shooters. Demkiw said investigators are not releasing further details about the victims at this stage.
Two Firearms Recovered at Scene
Police said two firearms were recovered from the scene.
Investigators are now reviewing evidence to determine how the shooting unfolded and whether the recovered weapons were connected to the people involved.
Shooting Caused Panic at Festival
The shooting happened shortly after 8 p.m. during the Salsa on St. Clair festival.
Police said about 13,000 people were attending the street festival when gunfire broke out, sending crowds running for safety.
Active Shooter Alert Later Rescinded
Police initially issued an active shooter alert because of the chaotic scene.
That alert was later cancelled after investigators determined there was not an ongoing active shooter threat.
The shooting still left many residents shaken, especially because Toronto’s summer street festivals are usually seen as safe community celebrations.
Police Appeal for Witnesses and Videos
Demkiw asked anyone who saw what happened or recorded video at the festival to contact police.
Investigators are reviewing a large amount of footage and witness information and are urging attendees to upload videos or images that could help the case.
Gun Violence Down, But Public Shootings Remain Concerning
Demkiw said shootings in Toronto are down by more than 26 per cent compared with the same period last year.
However, he said a brazen shooting in a public setting still damages the sense of safety that Torontonians expect and deserve.
Street Festival Safety Under Review
The police chief suggested the incident highlights the need for further discussions between police, city officials and event organizers.
Those discussions may include security screening, controlled access points and other measures aimed at keeping large street festivals safe.
Demkiw said the shooting showed why public safety planning for major events must continue to evolve.
Calls for Tougher Gun Penalties
Demkiw also called for legal reforms to address gun violence in public spaces.
He said anyone who fires a gun in a public gathering, shopping centre, public square or street festival should face serious consequences.
He also suggested that when someone dies because of public gunfire, lawmakers should consider a clearer path to first-degree murder charges.
Mayor Olivia Chow Condemns Violence
Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow described the shooting as reckless and disgusting.
She said the violence happened among families enjoying a summer evening and pledged that Toronto police would have the resources they need to find those responsible.
Chow also said she had urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to keep working on stopping illegal firearms from entering Toronto from U.S. black-market sources.
City Says Festivals Will Continue
Chow said Toronto will not allow reckless criminals to stop the city’s tradition of outdoor street festivals.
Salsa on St. Clair is one of Toronto’s well-known summer celebrations, highlighting Latin music, dance, food and culture.
The second day of the festival was cancelled while police continued their investigation.
The deadly Salsa on St. Clair shooting has left Toronto grieving and demanding answers. Police say Shaquan Quashie and Cesar Vernaza knew each other and were targeted, but investigators are still determining whether they were among the gunmen.
With two firearms recovered and thousands of people present during the chaos, police are relying on witnesses and video evidence to move the case forward. The incident has also renewed calls for stronger gun penalties, improved festival safety measures and tougher action against illegal firearms entering the city.