What Toronto’s Mayor and Police Chief Say Must Happen After Deadly Salsa on St. Clair Shootings

Toronto officials are calling for stronger sentencing rules and tougher action against illegal guns after a deadly shooting at the popular Salsa on St. Clair street festival.

The incident happened Saturday evening near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, leaving two men dead and five others injured.

Two Victims Identified by Police

At a Monday news conference, Toronto police identified the two men killed as Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20.

Police said both men died during an exchange of gunfire at the festival. Five other people were taken to hospital with serious gunshot wounds, though their injuries were described as non-life-threatening.

Shooting Believed to Be Targeted

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators believe the shooting was targeted.

He said the two men who died were known to each other, but police have not confirmed whether they were shooting at one another.

Investigators are still reviewing a large amount of video evidence, witness statements and other information from the chaotic scene.

Thousands Were at the Festival

Police said about 13,000 people were attending Salsa on St. Clair when gunfire broke out shortly after 8 p.m.

Witnesses described panic as crowds ran for cover after hearing multiple shots. The festival, which celebrates Latin culture, music, food and dance, is one of Toronto’s best-known summer street events.

Two Firearms Recovered

Investigators recovered two firearms at the scene.

Police have not released details about suspects, and the investigation remains active. Demkiw said the case is still in its early stages because of the amount of evidence officers must examine.

Chow and Demkiw Condemn the Violence

Mayor Olivia Chow and Chief Demkiw appeared together at police headquarters Monday to denounce the shooting.

Both leaders said the violence shook the city and damaged the sense of safety residents expect at public gatherings. Chow had earlier described the shooting as reckless and despicable.

Calls for Tougher Sentencing

Demkiw called for legal reforms that would impose harsher consequences for people who open fire in public spaces.

He said shootings in crowded areas such as festivals, public squares, malls and community events should be treated with extreme seriousness.

He also suggested that when someone dies from this kind of public gunfire, lawmakers should consider a clearer pathway to first-degree murder charges.

Focus on Illegal Guns and Border Smuggling

Toronto leaders also renewed calls for stronger action against illegal firearms, including guns smuggled from the United States.

City officials and police have repeatedly said Toronto’s gun violence problem is closely tied to the flow of illegal weapons into Canada. After the Salsa on St. Clair shooting, Demkiw again echoed calls for stronger federal gun-control measures.

Festival Cancelled After Shooting

The second day of Salsa on St. Clair was cancelled Sunday while police continued their investigation.

The annual event is normally a major community celebration, but the shooting turned the festival area into a crime scene and left residents, business owners and attendees shaken.

Police Reviewing Possible Links to Other Shootings

Demkiw said police are also reviewing whether the Salsa on St. Clair shooting may be connected to other recent shootings.

He stressed that investigators are following every lead and examining all available footage and witness information.

Gun Violence Down, But Concerns Remain

Demkiw noted that shootings in Toronto are down by more than 26 per cent compared with the same time last year.

However, he said public shootings still deeply affect community confidence and require a broader response from legislators, parents, schools, community groups and public agencies.

The deadly Salsa on St. Clair shooting has renewed pressure on officials to address gun violence in Toronto through tougher sentencing, stronger gun-control measures and action against illegal firearms entering from the United States.

While police believe the shooting was targeted, the violence unfolded in a crowded public festival and injured innocent bystanders.

Investigators are now working through video, witness accounts and evidence as the city demands answers and stronger protection for public spaces.