Toronto police identify two men killed in ‘targeted’ shooting at crowded street festival

Police in Toronto have identified two victims in the shootings Saturday night at a Latin music street festival.

The men killed were targeted and known to each other, police said, but it is still unknown if they were among the gunmen. Chief Myron Demkiw of Toronto Police Service said two firearms were “recovered at the scene.” He appealed for witnesses and for videos from the scene to be uploaded for investigators.

“It was a targeted event,” he said.

Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, both died of their gunshot wounds, one at the scene and the other in hospital.

“We’re not going to discuss anything about the victims other than to acknowledge that the two deceased knew each other,” Demkiw said.

The Salsa on St. Clair street festival had an estimated 13,000 people when the shootings caused chaos around 8 p.m. on Saturday night.

Police issued an active shooter alert that proved unfounded and was soon rescinded. But the experience has struck fear into a city that prides itself on summer street festivals.

“Shootings are down in the city over 26 per cent compared to the same time last year. But when a brazen shooting occurs in a public setting, like happened this weekend, it understandably shakes the sense of safety and security that Torontonians expect and deserve. Street festivals are a vital part of Toronto’s vibrant culture,” Demkiw said.

He hinted at disagreement between police, city bureaucrats and event organizers about measures necessary to keep street festivals safe, such as security screening and controlled access points, and how the shootings “underscore the need for ongoing discussions.”

He also called for legislated legal reform about gun violence.

Mayor Olivia Chow said the “reckless and disgusting” violence happened among families enjoying a beautiful summer night. She pledged the police will have “whatever resources they need” to find those responsible, and said she had urged federal Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree to work toward stopping illegal guns reaching Toronto streets from American black market suppliers.

“We will not let reckless criminals stop Toronto’s tradition of outdoor street festivals,” Chow said.

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