Four injured in gunfire at celebratory parade in Toronto; police arrest three suspects with links to two shootings at event

Toronto: Four people sustained injuries after gunfire broke out during a celebratory parade held in downtown Toronto following the victory of the city’s basketball team in the 2019 NBA championship on Monday afternoon.

The incident occurred at Bay and Albert Streets near Nathan Phillips Square, where huge crowds had gathered to celebrate Toronto Raptors’ victory over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA finals, reported CNN.

Toronto Police chief Mark Saunders said three people have been arrested in two separate incidents connected to the shooting. Saunders insisted that the incident affected a small group of people in a gathering of more than one million.

“The vast majority didn’t know this happened,” he said, resisting the suggestion that a stampede broke out after shots were fired.

At the time the incident occurred, Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau was attending a ceremony that was held to honour the basketball team at Nathan Phillips Square. The ceremony was briefly paused to let the crowd know there was an emergency situation but resumed shortly afterwards.

Toronto mayor John Tory said, “It is disappointing and I’m sure a source of anger for more than just me that anyone would carry a gun and discharge it at what was otherwise a joyous celebration.”

“I hope those responsible will be held to account to the full extent that the law permits. I want to commend and thank the millions of other people who happily and peacefully celebrated our beloved Toronto Raptors,” he added.