Salsa at St. Patrick’s Festival St. Clair was canceled after a deadly shooting

Salsa Festival on St. Toronto’s annual St. Clair has been canceled after the event was damaged by gunfire Saturday night that left two people dead and four others injured.

Toronto police, paramedics and firefighters rushed to the festival in St. Louis. St. Clair Avenue and Arlington Avenue just after 8 p.m. in response to reports that initially pointed to an active shooter.

When first responders tried to control the chaotic scene as 13,000 participants tried to run for cover, they confirmed two people were dead and two weapons were recovered.

Four other people suffered serious injuries and were rushed to hospital.

Speaking at the scene on Saturday night, Toronto police said there were three crime scenes.

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They said the shooter was not an active shooter, but they were working on the theory that there was “firefighting” in the crowd by two people who were “aiming at each other.”

In a statement, organizers of Salsa on St. Clair said the police investigations that now dominate downtown streets have forced them to close for the rest of the year.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the shooting at the Salsa festival in St. Clair early Saturday morning,” organizers wrote.

“Due to complex police investigations at the scene, we understand that the festival will not go ahead today, Sunday, July 12.”

So far, police have not released a description of the shooting suspect or made any arrests.

Homicide, weapons and gang officers are leading the investigation into the shooting.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow regrets the violence that occurred.

“I am deeply disturbed and outraged by this reckless and irresponsible act of violence,” he said.

“Right in the middle of a festival attended by families, children, elderly people. Words can’t express how disturbed I was.”

Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “devastated” by the violence that occurred last weekend.

“My thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected,” he wrote in a post on social media.

“Thank you to the Toronto Police Service and our first responders who responded to this horrific incident. The person responsible must be arrested, prosecuted and spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney also said he was “appalled” by the violence.

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