Canada: 100 Rounds Of Fire Exchange Outside Music Studio, 23 Arrested (image @canadafeed_)
Toronto, Canada: At least 100 rounds were fired outside a music recording studio in Toronto, Canada, on Monday night. The firing has led to the arrest of 23 people and the seizure of 16 firearms, including two assault-style rifles. Reportedly, the locality where the firing took place also houses studios that were frequently visited by Punjabi musicians in the city.
During the time of the shooting, the Toronto police were conducting an unrelated bail compliance check. The incident took place at 11:20 pm. A stolen vehicle pulled up near a recording studio before three individuals stepped out and fired at the studio and those nearby. In response, members of a rival group reportedly returned fire, said Toronto Police.
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Lauren Pogue, Toronto Police Deputy Chief, said that plainclothes officers in an unmarked vehicle were caught in the crossfire and narrowly escaped injury despite their vehicle being hit multiple times.
As per media reports, the exchange of gunfire reportedly scattered suspects as they attempted to flee. Police acted quickly, using their unmarked vehicle to box in the stolen car and arresting a gunman following a brief foot chase. But two suspects managed to escape and are still missing.
A video that surfaced prior to the gunfight showed several people dancing with modern firearms. After the initial arrest, the area was searched, leading to the seizure of 16 firearms hidden throughout the vicinity.
#WATCH: Video Shows People Were At A Recording Studio Waving Guns Just Before Shootout Resulted In Over 100 Shots Fired & 23 Arrests In Toronto. pic.twitter.com/zg1fuPbF3V
— Straightouttathe6ixtv (@sot6ixtv) November 12, 2024
Police also recovered several weapons discarded by fleeing suspects and others hidden on the rooftop, inside the recording studio, and even in nearby garbage bins. Among these firearms were multiple handguns and two high-powered rifles.
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Reportedly, several Punjabi artists use recording studios in the area. Popular Punjabi music artists like AP Dhillon and Gippy Grewal have previously been targeted in similar incidents. The area also has a thriving Punjabi community and serves as a hub for artists who have connections to India.
The matter pops up amidst a rife diplomatic row between India and Canada regarding the presence of Khalistani separatists. The rift between the two governments was triggered by the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Najjar, which Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau pointed at Indian government officials.
