Gunshots interrupted the Toronto Raptors championship celebration at Nathan Phillips Square on Monday, according to reports. CBC News has revealed that, according to police, four people were shot across two separate shootings at the rally in the city’s downtown core.
Speeches were temporarily halted before Raptors play-by-play person Matt Devlin took to the microphone in attempt to calm the crowd. The celebration resumed shortly after the initial commotion.
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
I’m on the roof of city hall and something is happening. People are running including what looks to be cops and security pic.twitter.com/FEbhw88OqI
— Jennifer Pagliaro (@jpags) June 17, 2019
Police have taken three people into custody and recovered two firearms, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders explained. Two people were arrested in connection to one shooting, and the third was arrested in connection with the other.
The shootings occurred at about 3:45 p.m. near Nathan Phillips Square at Bay and Albert streets, where the rally at the end of the Raptors’ victory parade was coming to a close.
The four victims all suffered non life-threatening injuries. Saunders has appealed to witnesses to come forward and help police with investigations, encouraging anyone at the event with videos or images to pass them along.
Stay safe out there, Toronto.
Image via John Tory