The US Consulate in downtown Toronto came under gunfire early Monday in the second such incident this year, triggering a police pursuit of a fleeing vehicle and a multi-agency investigation. No injuries were reported, although the building sustained minor damage.

Toronto Police said an officer stationed near the consulate heard gunshots shortly before dawn and spotted a vehicle speeding away from the scene. Investigators are now working with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other agencies to identify those responsible.

Police Pursue Suspects After Shooting

According to CBC News, an officer on routine patrol near the US Consulate heard gunshots at around 4.45 am. The officer, who had been deployed to the area following an earlier shooting at the consulate in March, immediately saw a white Honda Accord without licence plates fleeing the location.

Police briefly pursued the vehicle along the Don Valley Parkway near Don Mills Road but discontinued the chase after it exceeded speeds of 140 km/h, citing public safety concerns. Authorities said aerial support was unavailable at the time.

Deputy Chief Frank Barredo described the shooting as “brazen” and “despicable”, adding that police would treat the incident with the utmost seriousness.

Building Damaged, Investigation Underway

Investigators recovered a single shell casing near the consulate and found damage to the building’s facade. No injuries were reported.

A spokesperson for the US Embassy thanked Toronto Police for their swift response following the incident.

Authorities said investigations into the motive behind the shooting, as well as the number of occupants in the suspect vehicle, remain ongoing.

Toronto Police spokesperson Stephanie Sayer said the force currently depends on helicopters from the Ontario Provincial Police and Durham Regional Police Service but is expected to receive its own aircraft later this year.

Mayor, RCMP Respond

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she had spoken with Canada’s Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree about measures to curb gun violence and prevent illegal firearms from entering the city.

Calling the incident a “brazen attack”, Chow said the shooting took place despite a marked police cruiser being stationed directly outside the consulate.

“I want to say to the person or persons responsible: We will get you,” the mayor said.

The RCMP confirmed it is assisting Toronto Police and international partners with the investigation. Superintendent Jonathan Ko said threats and acts of violence against anyone in Canada are treated with the highest level of seriousness.

Second Attack in Four Months

The latest shooting comes just over four months after another incident at the same US Consulate on March 10, which also resulted in no injuries.

The earlier shooting was classified by the RCMP as a national security incident. However, investigators later arrested three people as part of a broader probe into local gun crimes involving hired youth.

University Avenue was temporarily closed while forensic teams examined the scene. Toronto Police later confirmed that the investigation at the site had concluded and the road had been reopened.

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