‘We will not tolerate it’: Police promise relentless probe into GTA synagogue shootings

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Police and political leaders gathered outside a North York synagogue Sunday morning, vowing a “relentless” investigation and stronger protections for Jewish communities after gunfire struck two GTA locations this weekend.

The update came just over 24 hours after bullets tore through the front doors of Shaarei Shomayim synagogue near Bathurst Street and Glencairn Avenue.

The incident was one of two synagogue shootings in the Greater Toronto Area within about an hour late Friday night and early Saturday morning, heightening fears in the Jewish community and prompting increased police patrols.

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

Police vow ‘relentless’ investigation

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said investigators are pursuing every lead and dedicating significant resources to the case.

“We are going to be relentless and leave no stone unturned, and every resource necessary will be brought,” he said during Sunday’s conference.

“This synagogue, as we know, was shot at this weekend, and we’ve seen other similar firearms discharges targeting the Jewish community recently and in the past years. This is completely appalling, and we are treating this with the utmost seriousness.”

Demkiw said investigators will follow the evidence wherever it leads while maintaining a visible police presence around Jewish institutions.

“We’ve been very clear about the antisemitic nature and the hateful nature of this act, and we will not stand for it, and we will not tolerate it,” he said.

CP24 was allowed inside the synagogue shortly after the news conference, in it, visible bullet holes could seen in walls, doors and windows.

Police are asking anyone with information or video footage to come forward.

He also acknowledged the impact the incident has had on the community.

“We understand the fear and anger this creates in Toronto’s Jewish communities. We will continue to take action. We have increased patrols and visits throughout the community, including here at this synagogue, that presence will continue,” he noted.

Federal minister condemns violence

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree also condemned the shooting, calling it part of a troubling rise in antisemitic violence.

“I condemn this in the strongest possible terms. This is unacceptable,” he said. “The forms of antisemitism we see that’s turning into violence is not the Canadian way. We will not tolerate this, and this has to stop.”

Anandasangaree said the federal government will continue working with police and other levels of government to address hate crimes.

“Every Jewish Canadian has a right to live in this country free of discrimination, free of antisemitism,” he said. “When they attack a synagogue, they attack Canada.”

Thornhill shooting also under investigation

The North York incident came hours after gunfire struck another synagogue in Thornhill.

York Regional Police Deputy Chief Kevin McCloskey said investigators are still working to determine whether the two incidents are connected.

“At this point in time, no, there’s no evidence to suggest definitively that these events are related or perpetrated by the same people,” he said.

Police say at least six bullets struck the front doors of Beth Avraham Yosef of Toronto synagogue in Thornhill late Friday night.

Two people were inside at the time, but no injuries were reported.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow was not in attendance at Sunday’s briefing.

However, in a statement issued Saturday, she also condemned the shootings as “disgusting acts of antisemitism, hate and intimidation,” adding that Toronto’s Jewish community has the right to practice their faith “without fear, intimidation or violence.”

Both investigations remain ongoing.