US consulate in Toronto shot at — Canada investigates as 'national security incident' amid war-linked antisemitism spike

Canadian police are investigating reports of gunfire at the United States consulate in downtown Toronto as a 'national security incident,' RCMP chief superintendent Chris Leather confirmed. Shots were fired at the consulate near University Avenue and Queen Street West at approximately 5:30 a.m. No injuries were reported. The Toronto shooting follows two gunfire incidents at Toronto-area synagogues the previous weekend — a pattern that Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow directly linked to the Iran war. 'The US consulate was shot at. This comes after shootings at synagogues,' Chow said. 'Antisemitic incidents spike when international incidents rise. It is never acceptable to target the Jewish community.' Ontario Premier Doug Ford called the consulate shooting 'an absolutely unacceptable act of violence and intimidation aimed at our American friends and neighbors.' Canada's RCMP subsequently boosted security at both US and Israeli embassies and consulate buildings in Toronto and Ottawa. The Toronto incidents represent the most significant war-linked security spillover to North America since the conflict began February 28. No suspect information has been released. The attack on a US diplomatic facility on Canadian soil will require a formal US-Canada law enforcement response.