GTA police forces to conduct additional patrols around synagogues, places of worship in wake of Washington shooting

York Regional Police are appealing for witnesses following the death of a pedestrian after being struck by a vehicle in Markham. (X/YRP)

Police across the Greater Toronto Area are increasing their presence around synagogues, places of worship, schools, and community centres after two staff members of the Israeli Embassy in Washington were fatally shot while leaving an event at a Jewish museum on Wednesday.

The shooting happened outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, where an event was being hosted by the American Jewish Committee.

In separate messages posted to social media on Thursday, the Toronto Police Service, Durham Regional Police, Halton Regional Police, York Regional Police and Peel Regional Police all said that they were stepping up patrols in the wake of the incident.

York Regional Police added that it would also be conducting “additional patrols” focused in the Bathurst Street corridor over the next several days.

“There is no immediate threat to our region and these patrols are in place to support all members of our community,” YRP said. “York Regional Police takes these matters seriously and is reminding the community we will not tolerate any form of hate crime.”

The Toronto Police Service, meanwhile, said in its post that it “will maintain a visible presence at schools, community centres, and places of worship across Toronto” for the time being.

“While there are currently no credible threats to our city, the safety and well-being of our communities remain our primary focus,” it said.

With files from The Associated Press.