Police release images of suspect in back-to-back shootings at GTA synagogues

Police have released images of a suspect wanted in connection with back-to-back shootings targeting synagogues in the GTA.

• Shots fired at 2 synagogues in North York and Thornhill overnight

The first incident happed at a synagogue near Clark Avenue West and York Hill Boulevard in Vaughan just before midnight on March 6 while the second incident happened about 20 minutes later at a synagogue in the area of Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue in Toronto.

Police have previously said that no injuries were reported as a result of either incident, though damage consistent with gunfire was located at both synagogues.

Speaking with CP24 on Friday, Const. Kevin Nebrija said that investigators believe the suspect “did not act alone” but are still trying to determine how many other people may have been involved.

“Whether he was the shooter or the driver we are still trying to determine that but our investigators are confident that he is involved in this incident and are hopeful that somebody from the community recognizes and contacts us,” Nebrija said. “Any small amount of detail could be beneficial for the investigation.”

The shootings came amid a wave of violence targeting the Jewish community.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow condemned the shootings at the time, calling them “disgusting acts of antisemitism, hate and intimidation” and promising to provide police with “whatever resources are needed” to bring an end to attacks on the Jewish community.

In a news release on Friday, police said that the identification of a suspect in both shootings comes in the wake of a “lengthy joint forces investigation.”

Police say that the male suspect is believed to be a youth.

A court order has been granted to release the male’s photo temporarily. Judicial authorization for the release of the photo will expire on May 4.

Nebrija said that police are continuing to look into a motive for the shootings, which he called “egregious.”

“We can confidently say these two synagogues were targeted but why they were targeted is very much part of the investigation,” he said.

Police describe the suspect as Black, approximately six-foot to six-foot-two in height with a thin build and black curly hair. He was last seen travelling in a older model black, four-door Honda Civic.