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Toronto police have identified two men killed in what they say was a targeted shooting at the Salsa on St. Clair festival on Saturday night.
Shaquan Quashie, 25, and Cesar Vernaza, 20, were killed when gunfire erupted in the area of St. Clair Avenue and Arlington Avenue, Toronto police said in a news release on Monday. Their deaths mark the city’s 19th and 20th homicides of the year.
Toronto police Chief Myron Demkiw said at a news conference Monday that the two men killed knew one another.
One of the men was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died in hospital. Five other people struck by gunfire were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police recovered two firearms at the scene, Demkiw said. He said police do not have information on suspects at this time.
Timestamped security footage obtained by CBC News shows people running along Arlington Avenue just off the Salsa on St. Clair festival around 8 p.m. Saturday, and then a second rush of people about 45 minutes later. Police say they responded to calls for a shooting in the area at 8:12 p.m.
The annual Salsa on St. Clair celebrates Latin culture, food and music. Officers responded to calls for a shooting there at 8:12 p.m. The second day of the festival was cancelled Sunday as police continued their investigation.
‘Pain will not have the final word,’ pastor says
A vigil held in the parking lot of Matthew’s United Church on St. Clair Avenue W. drew scores of people on Monday night.
A minute of silence was held in memory of the victims. Everyone in attendance was invited to light a candle.
Pastor Miguel Rojas of Iglesia Hispano Cafe con Cristo led the group in prayer for the two men killed, their families, those who were injured and everyone feeling sadness.
“As members of this community, we pray for peace and healing,” Rojas said. “We pray that this violence will never happen again.”
Rojas said gun violence destroys families but the community continues to be strong despite the events on the weekend.
“We are here to declare that pain will not have the final word,” he said.
Mayor calls shooting ‘reckless and disgusting’
At the news conference, Demkiw called for tougher consequences when attacks unfold amid large gatherings.
“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,” he said.
Demkiw added that police were investigating two other Toronto shootings over the weekend for any potential links between them.
Chow called the shooting “reckless and disgusting.”
“We will not let reckless criminals stop Toronto’s tradition of outdoor street festivals,” Chow said.
“In difficult times, Toronto will shine. And I want to thank Torontonians for looking after each other like always,” she said.
The mayor and chief both emphasized that street festivals are integral to Toronto’s culture.
Police are seeking relevant video footage and images from anyone in the area at the time of the shooting. That material can be uploaded using the QR code here or at this link.
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