Criminals for Hire Linked to 27 Firearm Discharges in Toronto
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says investigators have made significant progress in a sweeping investigation into a series of connected firearm discharges across the Greater Toronto Area, announcing multiple arrests, the seizure of two crime-linked handguns, and the identification of an outstanding suspect.Speaking at a news conference at police headquarters on June 16, he said the investigation has uncovered links between dozens of firearm discharge incidents, including the March 2026 shooting at the United States Consulate in downtown Toronto."What we are dealing with in this case and in other unrelated incidents, including shootings at synagogues and Jewish schools, is a recurring and similar modus operandi -- criminals for hire," Demkiw said. Police allege young people are being recruited through encrypted messaging applications to carry out attacks and are required to record the incidents as proof to receive payment.Investigators continue to search for Zara Jabbi, who remains wanted in connection with the consulate shooting. Police noted that judicial authorization allowing publication of his identity expires on June 19.The update comes just days after Emergency Task Force member Marc Pinizzotto was fatally shot during the execution of a search warrant connected to the investigation."This is an incredibly difficult moment for all of us," Demkiw said. "Marc's family has lost a husband, a father and a son. And as a Service, we have lost a colleague and a friend."While the circumstances surrounding Pinizzotto's death remain under investigation by Ontario's Special Investigations Unit, the Chief confirmed the suspect remains in police custody."This is an SIU investigation, but I can say that the suspect in Constable Pinizzotto's death is in the hospital right now in police custody and will be charged with First Degree Murder," he said.Demkiw also praised ETF members, describing them as among the country's most highly trained officers."They respond to the most dangerous calls,” he pointed out. “They protect this city, they safeguard their fellow officers and they serve with exceptional courage."The investigation centres on a March 10, 2026 shooting at the U.S. Consulate on University Avenue.Police allege two suspects exited a stolen Honda CR-V and fired multiple rounds at the building before fleeing. No injuries were reported, but surveillance footage allegedly captured the suspects recording the attack on their mobile phones.The Toronto Police Service Integrated Gun and Gang Task Force, working alongside the Counter-Terrorism Security Unit, launched an investigation that eventually linked the consulate shooting to numerous other firearm discharge incidents throughout the GTA. The RCMP Integrated National Security Enforcement Team have run a parallel investigation into the U.S. Consulate shooting as a national security threat.Investigators identified additional connected shootings, including a March 25 incident in Scarborough where shots were fired at a residential apartment unit and a March 26 shooting at a business in Etobicoke. No injuries were reported in either case.Police announced that Jayon Burgher, 18, of Barrie, was previously arrested by Halton Regional Police in April in connection with a separate Oakville shooting investigation and has since been charged by Toronto Police with multiple firearms offences related to the Etobicoke incident.On June 11, Toronto Police and the RCMP executed several search warrants across Toronto, resulting in two arrests and the seizure of two firearms believed to be linked to numerous shootings.Sheldon Tracey-Stewart, 18, of Toronto, was charged in connection with the U.S. Consulate shooting and faces multiple firearms offences as well as charges for allegedly breaching a release order.According to Chief Superintendent Joe Matthews, investigators believe a loaded Glock 17 nine-millimetre handgun seized during the operation is linked through ballistic evidence to at least six additional shooting incidents across Toronto, Peel, York and Durham regions.Nicholas Bennett, 19, of Toronto, was also arrested during the June 11 operation. Police allege Bennett was responsible for the fatal shooting of Pinizzotto during the execution of a search warrant. He is expected to face a charge of first-degree murder and has also been charged in connection with the Scarborough and Etobicoke shootings.A second firearm, a Springfield Armory XD .45-calibre handgun, which was used in the murder of Constable Marc Pinizzotto, is believed to be connected to at least 21 additional shooting incidents in Toronto, Peel and Halton regions, including the attack on the U.S. Consulate. Ballistic testing remains ongoing.Authorities are also examining broader patterns connected to the shootings, including attacks targeting synagogues and Jewish schools.Investigators are continuing to examine who may be directing and financing the violence."I know there has been a lot of reporting about criminal groups and foreign actors, but what I can tell you is that we are still working actively to investigate who is responsible for orchestrating these criminal acts," Demkiw said. “What we know is that bad actors are using criminal elements in our city to carry out these dangerous incidents. And it is clear that some of the people hiring these criminals want to create a sense of fear in our communities, including the Jewish community.“While we continue to follow every lead, I want to remind all levels of government of the importance of legislative reform, including key provisions in Bill C-16 such as creating a new offence for the recruitment of a person under 18 to commit a crime and Bill C-22 on lawful access. If law enforcement does not have the tools needed to prevent violence that is planned and paid for through encrypted messaging apps, it is our communities that suffer and the risks and consequences are very real.”The Toronto Police Service said the investigation remains active, with additional arrests and charges possible as forensic and ballistic analyses continue with partners at the Centre for Forensic Sciences as well as the Halton, Peel, York and Durham police services.
