Mass shooting in Toronto; 1 killed and about 14 shot; gunman dead

[Teh One Who Knocks]

By Edmund DeMarche | Fox News




Authorities in Toronto late Sunday responded to a mass shooting in the city's neighborhood known as Greektown, where 14 people were hit by gunfire, including at least one fatally.

Responding police exchanged gunfire with the shooter and the suspect was killed. It is unclear if the suspect was hit by police fire. Authorities said it is too early in the investigation to determine if there is a terrorism link.

Toronto police chief Mark Saunders said, "Other than the shooter we have a young lady that is deceased."

Toronto police tweeted late Sunday that the condition of the victims is not known, but a 9-year-old girl is listed in critical condition. Thirteen others are being treated at a nearby hospital.

The Toronto Sun reported that police were dispatched at about 10 p.m. near Christina’s restaurant. Social media indicated that up to 20 shots were heard.

John Tulloch says he and his brother had just gotten out of their car on Danforth when he heard about 20 to 30 gunshots.

"We just ran. We saw people starting to run so we just ran," he said.

Paula Fletcher, a Toronto councillor, told CP24 she heard that the gunman was emotionally disturbed.

"It's not gang related. It looks like someone who is very disturbed," Fletcher said. Councillor Mary Fragedakis also said she heard the gunman was disturbed.

Fletcher said for this to happen in an area where families gather for dinner is a tragedy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

[DemonGeminiX]

to the one victim. I hope the rest pull through. May the shooter burn in hell.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

Just got an alert on my phone a little while ago, a 2nd victim has now died.

[DemonGeminiX]

Sad.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

By Travis Fedschun | Fox News




ISIS claimed responsibility Wednesday for the deadly Toronto shooting and investigators are reportedly digging into the gunman's past and Internet history -- but Canadian officials continue to insist the killings aren't related to terrorism, clouding the possible motive for the attack that killed two and wounded 13.

The terror group's AMAQ propaganda agency, citing a "security source," said Toronto shooter Faisal Hussain, 29, was a "soldier of the Islamic State and carried out the attack in response to calls to target the citizens of the coalition countries." Based on language used in previous claims by ISIS, it appeared the shrinking Islamist group looked at Hussain as having been merely inspired by ISIS, rather than having been directed.

The group did not provide further details or any evidence, such as a videotaped pledge of allegiance, for its claim. Hussain, who killed 10-year-old Julianna Kozis and 18-year-old Reese Fallon during the mass shooting, died after a gun battle with police late Sunday.

On Wednesday, Canadian officials stressed there was no national security risk despite authorities' continued investigation into what prompted the deadly rampage in the bustling Greektown neighborhood.

"These are the early stages‎ of an active investigation being led by the Toronto Police Service," a spokesperson from Canada's Office of the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness told Fox News. "At this time, there is no national security nexus."

Toronto Police told Fox News in a statement on behalf of Police Chief Mark Saunders that "every investigative avenue" is being examined, but there is so far no evidence of ISIS support.



“Since Sunday evening, all areas of the Toronto Police Service have been involved in this investigation. We have received assistance from law enforcement partners at every level and I have been updated regularly. At this stage, we have no evidence to support these claims," Saunders said. "Accurate information about this investigation will only be released by the Toronto Police Service. We will continue to explore every investigative avenue including interviewing those who knew Mr. Hussain, reviewing his online activity, and looking into his experiences with mental health.”

But while officials are publicly pushing back on any ties to terror for now, reports have emerged that investigators are questioning Hussain's past.

Hussain had visited ISIS websites and may have expressed support for the terrorist group, CBS News and the Toronto Sun reported, citing law enforcement sources. A law enforcement source told the Toronto Sun the 29-year-old expressed “support” for a website that was seen as “pro" ISIS.

Officials are also investigating if Hussain lived at one time in Afghanistan or possibly Pakistan, CBS News reported.

Hussain's online activities have previously drawn the attention of law enforcement, and he was “well known to Toronto Police” for investigations into past crimes “involving weapons and violence," according to the Toronto Sun.

The gunman's family, however, has maintained their son had a long history of psychosis and depression and had not responded to numerous treatment approaches, including therapy and medication.

"While we did our best to seek help for him throughout his life of struggle and pain, we could never imagine that this would be his devastating and destructive end," the family said in a statement. "Our hearts are in pieces for the victims and for our city as we all come to grips with this terrible tragedy. We will mourn those who were lost for the rest of our lives."


Julianna Kozis, 10, was killed in the shooting rampage on Sunday in Toronto's popular Greektown neighborhood.

Canada's Global News reported Tuesday that Hussain had been taken into police custody twice due to concerns about his mental health. The Global News report did not specify when Toronto police had encountered Hussain, but said he had a history of mental health concerns dating back to 2010. The report also did not say what happened after police apprehended Hussain.

A police source told Global News that Hussain believed he was the Joker character from the "Batman" movies. The source added Hussain "was fascinated with death and explosions. He also liked replica handguns." A family spokesman confirmed to Global News that Hussain owned a replica BB gun, but denied he had any special obsession with the Batman movies or any particular character.

Investigators searched the low-income apartment Hussain shared with his parents and siblings on Thorncliffe Park Drive in the eastern part of the city, and removed boxes filled with potential evidence overnight, according to the Associated Press.



An autopsy on Hussain was expected Tuesday, and officials have not yet disclosed where Hussain got the handgun used in the attack.

[DemonGeminiX]

Wow, Canada, way to be in denial. to the 2 that passed on.

[Muddy]

Wow, Canada, way to be in denial. to the 2 that passed on.

[KevinD]

To be fair,not that long ago, our government refused to name some similar attacks as terrorism. That said, heart and prayers go out to the victims.

[Muddy]

Total sympathy to the victims.. It's the politically correct system and government that makes me sick.

[Teh One Who Knocks]

To be fair,not that long ago, our government refused to name some similar attacks as terrorism. That said, heart and prayers go out to the victims.