4 Injured, 3 Arrested After Reports of Shooting During Raptors Celebration, Toronto Police Say
Toronto police arrested three people after responding to reports of a shooting at Nathan Philips Square, amid celebrations for the Toronto Raptors winning their first NBA title.
Toronto police said they identified four victims who were injured in the shooting. A Toronto police representative told TIME that the injuries were not life-threatening, though the specific extent to their injuries is unknown. Police took three people into custody and recovered two firearms, according to a statement from the police department.
Crowds gathered at a rally for the Raptors were seen running from the area after gunshots were reported during a parade, according to videos shared on social media.
SHOOTING:
Nathan Phillip's Square
-Bay St and Albert St
-Police have located 2 victims
-Injuries serious but not life threatening
-2 people in custody
-2 firearms recovered
-Investigating
^dh— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) June 17, 2019
Earlier in the day, police said there were reports of a woman shot.
SHOOTING:
Nathan Phillip's Square
-Reports of woman shot
-People running from area
-Police/EMS are on scene
-Unknown what the injuries are#GO112676
^dh— Toronto Police OPS (@TPSOperations) June 17, 2019
Reporters and witnesses in the area shared video footage of people running. Some were injured in a “stampede of people” fleeing from the area, according to one witness. Police have asked for anyone with photos or video footage from the area to share it with them.
.@TorontoMedics transporting several patients to hospital after a shooting in Nathan Phillips Square. Several patients including a @TorontoPolice officer injured during the stampede of people fleeing after the shooting #toronto
— Andrew Collins (@ACollinsPhoto) June 17, 2019
A sneaker left behind in frantic scramble after shots fired at Bay & Queen during Raptors celebrations. pic.twitter.com/EmZzcr5Lo0
— Katie Nicholson (@KatieNicholson) June 17, 2019
Shots fired at Nathan Phillips Square. This is shot at the north side of city hall. pic.twitter.com/KhGb5xag02
— Francine Kopun (@KopunF) June 17, 2019
ppl have been running from the back of the stage for some reason. hope everyone’s safe. #RaptorsParade pic.twitter.com/HRoeTZ4val
— Gelek Besthairtsang (@GelekB) June 17, 2019
The ceremony to honor the Raptors was interrupted due to the incident, when Raptors broadcaster Matt Devlin came out on stage to announce that “we’re dealing with a situation that’s not far from here. This is serious.”
The Raptors ceremony has been interrupted for a serious incident. pic.twitter.com/JIzOuNzvsb
— Timothy Burke (@bubbaprog) June 17, 2019
Proceedings later restarted as police and emergency services responded to the scene. The threat to public safety ended as soon as police made arrests, according to Toronto police.