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The gunman remains at large, with first responders rushing to piece together what happened at the long-running Latino themed cultural festival in the the city's vibrant west end

Two people are dead and a further five are understood to have suffered gunshot wounds after an active shooter opened fire at a street festival in Toronto's west end neighbourhood on Saturday evening (July 11). The gunman remains at large, with first responders rushing to piece together what happened at a long-running Latino themed cultural festival in the province capital of Ontario.

Toronto Police spokesperson Shannon Eames confirmed there were two deceased and five others with gunshot wounds after the shooting near St. Clair Avenue West and Arlington Avenue, where the Salsa on St. Clair Festival was underway, with first responders called to the scene at the annual Salsa on St. Clair festival just after 8pm local time.

As shooter remains at large police have issued a caution to members of the public in the area, urging Canadians to remain vigilant as police work to apprehend the gunman or gunmen A large police presence remains in the area near Salsa in Toronto. Premier of Ontario Doug Ford condemned the "senseless violence" at the salsa festival, which he confirmed had "claimed two lives and injured others". "The person responsible must be caught, brought to justice and spend the rest of their life behind bars," he wrote in a statement on X.

He thanked first responders who attended the scene, adding his thoughts were with "the victims, their families and everyone affected".

Toronto, Canada’s largest city of 3.2 million people, also happens to be one of North America’s safest metropolises.

In Canada, fatal mass shootings are uncommon. It is a stark contrast to its southern neighbour, the United States of America, which has far higher rates of gun violence. As per NPR, the USA records over 40,000 firearm deaths annually, whereas Canada typically sees under 300. Gun ownership is only possible in Canada via a strict licensing system, mandatory safety courses, and background checks.

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