Toronto festival shooting victims targeted, police call for bigger gun penalties

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw says the deadly weekend shooting that killed two people and sent thousands running for cover at a midtown festival was a “targeted event.”

Police identified the victims as 25-year-old Shaquan Quashie and 20-year-old Cesar Vernaza.

Four people were sent to hospital after gunfire erupted Saturday evening during the Salsa on St. Clair street party, where police had said 13,000 people had gathered.

Tributes to Vernaza began to appear on social media on Monday, and a fundraiser has been started online with donations going toward funeral and memorial expenses.

Four people were sent to hospital after gunfire erupted Saturday evening during the Salsa on St. Clair street party, where police had said 13,000 people had gathered.

Demkiw called for tougher penalties for such brazen, public attacks.

“We need some reforms that address that and recognize that if you pull out a gun in a public space, in a public square or the Eaton Centre or any other public gathering and fire it indiscriminately, that should be treated with the utmost seriousness in the law,” he said Monday at a press conference also attended by Mayor Olivia Chow.

“And if someone dies as a result of that, there should be no debate on what the motive was behind that shooting. That should be a pathway to first-degree murder in and of itself and that’s the reforms we’re looking to see our federal government consider.”

Demkiw says police are investigating three shootings for any potential links between them.

The second day of the Salsa on St. Clair festival was cancelled Sunday as police continued their investigation. The annual event celebrates Latin culture, food and music.

“As police we will continue to do everything we can to tackle gun violence but everyone has a role to play,” Demkiw said.

“Legislators, parents, schools, school boards, community organizations and all other partners have an essential role to play in intervening and preventing gun violence in our city.”

In a post on social media, Prime Minister Mark Carney said he was “horrified” by news of the shooting

“My prayers are with the families grieving their loved ones, those who are in critical condition, and everyone who has been affected by this horrific event,” Carney said, applauding police and first responders, “whose courage and fast action prevented further tragedy.”

“Police have my full support as they work to apprehend the perpetrators and bring them to justice,” Carney said.

– With files from INsauga.com