Key facts
- Toronto police arrested a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy in connection with a July shooting at the U.S. Consulate.
- The attack is believed to be part of a gun-for-hire network, with suspects allegedly recruited via encrypted messaging apps.
- The Royal Canadian Mounted Police are investigating the incident as a national security matter.
- The adult suspect faces charges including firearm offenses, arson, and attacking an internationally protected person.
- The suspects are also linked to a vehicle arson incident prior to the consulate shooting.
Toronto police have arrested a 19-year-old man and a 15-year-old boy in connection with a shooting at the U.S. Consulate that occurred in July. Authorities allege the attack was orchestrated by a gun-for-hire network, with suspects reportedly recruited through encrypted messaging applications and offered payment for their actions.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have launched a parallel investigation, classifying the incident as a national security matter. Police Chief Myron Demkiw stated that identifying the perpetrators behind these crimes remains a primary focus. The adult suspect, identified as Xen-Ul-Abdeen Syed, faces multiple charges, including firearm offenses, arson, and attacking an internationally protected person.
Investigators believe that shootings, homicides, and arsons are increasingly being commissioned via online platforms, with payment amounts varying based on the crime. Chief Supt. Joe Matthews noted that in many instances, suspects are not paid. The two arrested individuals are also suspected of involvement in setting fire to a vehicle outside Toronto three days prior to the consulate shooting.
This latest incident follows a March 10 attack on the same diplomatic mission, for which two arrests were made in June. Police have maintained a visible presence outside the consulate since the first shooting, and the July 27 incident occurred despite the nearby stationing of a police cruiser.