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18th Jun 2019

Four injured in shooting at Toronto Raptors victory parade

Alan Loughnane

Toronto Raptors shooting

As many as two million people were at the parade.

Four people were injured in a daytime shooting in Toronto during a crowded victory rally for the Toronto Raptors basketball team, police have said.

Four people suffered “non-life threatening” injuries in a shooting near the rally in Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders said.

Three people were arrested in two separate incidents connected to the shooting, he said.

Around two million fans were estimated to have gathered in downtown Toronto on Monday for a parade for the victorious basketball team, who who their first ever NBA Championship last week.

It’s thought that celebrations were only briefly interrupted as police and security calmed the public and restored order.

“I hope all those injured in today’s shooting have a speedy recovery and I’d like to thank the Toronto Police for acting so quickly,” Prime Minister Trudeau said on Twitter.

“We won’t let this act of violence take away from the spirit of today’s parade.”

“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,” Mayor John Tory told CNN.

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

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