Two dead, several injured in shooting at Toronto's Salsa on St. Clair festival

A shooting at Toronto's popular Salsa on St. Clair festival on Saturday night killed two men, injured several others and sent thousands running for safety.

Toronto police Deputy Chief Frank Barredo said there was an exchange of gunfire shortly after 8 p.m. that left the two men dead and injured four others. 

He told reporters police have cordoned off three separate crime scenes at the festival, and no one has been arrested in the shooting yet. He said two firearms were found at the scene.

Mayor Olivia Chow said she was "deeply disturbed and angry" about the shooting at a festival that draws thousands of attendees every year, including families with children and seniors. Salsa on St. Clair celebrates Latin culture, food and music.

Festivalgoers described a chaotic scene after shots were fired, with people running and screaming as police converged on the area of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue.

Valerie Rodriguez said she was sitting next to a restaurant when she saw people fleeing.

"A bunch of people ... told us to lay down onto the floor," she said. "We got scared because we didn't know exactly what was happening."

Patsy Gutierrez, a vendor at the festival, said she was serving customers when she saw "a huge wave" of people running.

"Everybody started getting frantic and then we stopped serving," she said. "I don't think it should be something that's happening in these type of events."

William Ajselett said he was in a line to buy food when he witnessed "a crowd-crushing situation."

After the crowd dispersed, he said he tracked down his wife and made sure his friends were OK.

Josh Matlow, a city councillor, said he was at the festival earlier in the day and it was "very peaceful."

"The vibe was great," he said, adding that he came to the scene after hearing about what police initially called an active shooter situation.

"I came over to support the police efforts and, of course, to be in touch with community leaders who are scared and worried about the neighbourhood," he said.

Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was horrified.

"My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event," he said in a social media post.

"My thanks to the police officers and other first responders whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy. Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice."

Premier Doug Ford said in a social media post he is devastated by the "senseless" violence.

"My thoughts are with the victims, their families and everyone affected," he wrote. "The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 11, 2026.

By Kathryn Mannie | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.