Two people were killed and five others injured in a shooting at a salsa music festival on St. Clair Avenue in Toronto, Canada, on Saturday, June 11, 2026, according to local police.
Chaos at the Festival
The incident unfolded during the annual Salsa on St. Clair event — a vibrant, community-driven celebration of Latin music and dance. Police confirmed that gunfire broke out near the intersection of St. Clair Avenue and Bathurst Street, prompting widespread panic among attendees. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as crowds scattered for safety amid multiple shots.
Armed Suspect and Ongoing Manhunt
Authorities reported an exchange of gunfire between two individuals at the festival site. Two firearms were recovered from the scene. As of the initial press briefing — held several hours after the shooting — the suspect remained at large. A significant police presence has been deployed across the area as officers conduct an active investigation and search for the gunman.
Scale of the Event and Response
Toronto Police Deputy Chief Francisco Barendt described the situation as “extremely chaotic,” noting that approximately 13,000 people were attending the festival at the time of the attack. Officials urged residents to avoid the area and follow official instructions, emphasizing public safety as the top priority.