Salsa on St. Clair festival in July 2024. Photo: Farzad Abdollahi / Shutterstock.com A shooting near Toronto's popular Salsa on St. Clair festival left two people dead and six others with gunshot wounds on July 12, 2026, prompting a major police response and an ongoing search for the suspect.
According to the Toronto Police Service, officers responded to reports of an active shooter at the intersection of St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue at approximately 8:12 p.m. local time. Police urged the public to avoid the area while emergency crews secured the scene.
In an initial update, authorities confirmed that multiple people had been injured in the shooting. Shortly afterward, police announced that five victims had been found with gunshot wounds, with two pronounced dead at the scene.
A later update revised the number of victims, confirming that six people had sustained gunshot wounds, while the death toll remained at two. Police also stated that the suspect or suspects remain outstanding, and officers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Toronto Police have not yet released information about a possible motive or the identities of the victims. Investigators are asking residents to continue avoiding the area and to follow directions from emergency personnel as the investigation remains active.
Following the shooting, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow said she was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the violence, describing it as a senseless act that occurred during a community celebration. "I am disgusted and angered by the shooting at Salsa on St. Clair tonight. My thoughts are with the families, friends and communities of those who were injured or tragically passed away. This was a reckless, despicable act of violence at a crowded festival. I will ensure Toronto Police have every resource they need to find those responsible, and they will keep working around the clock to get guns off our streets.
My heart is with the victims, their loved ones, and everyone impacted by this senseless act of violence. No one should ever have to fear for their safety while celebrating with their community".
The Salsa on St. Clair festival is one of Toronto's largest annual multicultural events, drawing thousands of visitors each year to celebrate Latin music, dance, and food. Authorities have not confirmed whether the victims were attendees of the festival or whether the shooting was directly related to the event.
Police said additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.